Hearty and Healthy Vegetable Soup

As the seasons change, there's nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, homemade vegetable soup. Packed with a variety of fresh, nutritious ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a filling dinner, this vegetable soup is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your wellness goals.

Why This Vegetable Soup is a Must-Try

This vegetable soup is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a nutritious option for any meal. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce food waste.

Healthy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Servings: 6 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes 

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

- 3 celery stalks, sliced

- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

- 1 zucchini, sliced

- 1 bell pepper, chopped

- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

- 6 cups vegetable broth

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- 1 bay leaf

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

   - In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

   - Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Add the Vegetables:

   - Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Simmer the Soup:

   - Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot.

   - Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Finish with Greens:

   - Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until wilted. The greens add a boost of nutrients and a pop of color to the soup.

5. Adjust Seasoning:

   - Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. If you like a bit of brightness, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon before serving.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   - Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot, with a slice of whole-grain bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

The Nutritional Benefits of This Soup

This vegetable soup is a powerhouse of nutrients, thanks to the variety of vegetables it contains:

- Onions and Garlic: Both are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, supporting a healthy immune system.

- Carrots and Sweet Potatoes: High in beta-carotene, these root vegetables are great for eye health and provide a natural sweetness to the soup.

- Green Vegetables: Kale, spinach, and green beans are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.

- Tomatoes: These are a great source of vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health.

- Zucchini and Bell Pepper: These low-calorie veggies add texture and flavor while boosting the soup's vitamin C and potassium content.

Conclusion

This healthy vegetable soup is the perfect recipe to warm you up and nourish your body. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a light meal or add more veggies to your diet, this soup is a delicious way to do it. Try it out and let me know how it turns out in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe to Forkful Flavors for more wholesome and tasty recipes.