100% Vegetable Soup

100% Vegetable Soup is a hearty and wholesome dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors and colors of a garden’s bounty. This soup is a true testament to the beauty of simplicity, as it features an array of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs simmered together to create a nourishing and flavorful meal. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a warming appetizer, this vegetable soup offers a delightful way to savor the essence of nature’s finest ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Vegetable Soup:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups diced zucchini
  • 2 cups diced green beans
  • 2 cups diced potatoes
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Juice of 1 lemon

For Garnish (optional):

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • A drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Sautéing the Aromatics:

  1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Simmering the Soup:

  1. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  2. Pour in the vegetable broth and water, and add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Adding the Vegetables:

  1. After the initial simmer, add the diced zucchini, diced green beans, diced potatoes, and chopped kale or spinach to the soup. Stir to incorporate.
  2. Cover the pot again and let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked to your liking.

Finishing Touches:

  1. Stir in the corn kernels and let them heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard them.
  3. Add the freshly chopped parsley and squeeze the juice of one lemon into the soup. Stir well to combine. The lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing note to the soup.

Serving:

  1. Ladle the 100% Vegetable Soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a few fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Variations and Tips

  • Protein Boost: Add cooked chickpeas, lentils, or diced tofu for added protein and heartiness.
  • Custom Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add vegetables based on seasonal availability and personal preference. Consider adding peas, butternut squash, or bell peppers for extra variety.
  • Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
  • Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
  • Grains: To make the soup even heartier, add cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa.
  • Make It Creamy: If you prefer a creamy soup, blend a portion of the cooked vegetables with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth, then mix it back into the soup.
  • Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

 

100% Vegetable Soup is a celebration of nature’s bounty, bringing together a colorful array of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs into a nourishing and flavorful dish. This soup is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, allowing the true essence of each vegetable to shine. Whether you savor it on a chilly day or as a light, healthful meal, this vegetable soup provides a comforting and delicious way to embrace the goodness of nature. So, simmer a pot of this soup and savor the nourishment and warmth it brings to your table.