Looking for the ultimate vegetable soup recipe to keep you warm this winter? Look no further! This recipe is simple, customizable, and perfect for those cozy soup season vibes. Made with sautéed vegetables, Italian seasoning, garlic, lemon juice, and a savory broth, it’s both nourishing and comforting. Plus, you can use fresh or frozen veggies, making it super convenient. The step-by-step video tutorial by Downshiftology provides all the instructions and tips you need to prep and cook this delicious soup. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use. With its versatility and satisfying flavors, this vegetable soup is the must-have recipe for your winter menu!
Ingredients
Vegetables
To make this vegetable soup, you will need a combination of fresh or frozen vegetables. The recipe calls for carrots, celery, onions, yellow potatoes, and fresh green beans. You can also customize the soup by adding other vegetables of your choice, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Seasonings
The seasonings in this soup are what make it flavorful and delicious. You will need garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and kosher salt. The Italian seasoning adds a wonderful blend of herbs and spices to enhance the taste of the vegetables.
Broth
A savory vegetable broth is the base of this soup. You can use either homemade vegetable broth or store-bought. It’s important to use a high-quality broth, as it adds depth and richness to the soup.
Preparation
Chopping the Vegetables
Start by peeling and slicing the carrots. You can choose to leave the skin on if you prefer. Next, slice the celery into small pieces. Dice the onion into medium-sized chunks. These three vegetables (carrots, celery, and onion) form the base of the soup and are commonly known as mirepoix.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the mirepoix (carrots, celery, and onion) to the pot and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add minced garlic, black pepper, kosher salt, and Italian seasoning to the pot and stir.
Adding Seasonings and Broth
To the pot, add the diced potatoes, chopped green beans, canned diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for around 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Cooking
Simmering the Soup
While the soup is simmering, prepare the final ingredients. Roughly chop fresh parsley and squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon. After 20 minutes, add frozen peas and corn to the pot and continue boiling for another 5 minutes, until the frozen vegetables are cooked through.
Adding Lemon Juice and Parsley
Turn off the heat and add the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to the soup. Stir well to incorporate the flavors. Remove the bay leaves from the pot to prevent anyone from accidentally eating them.
Variations
Adding Protein
If you want to make the soup more filling, you can add protein to it. Options include cooked chicken, tofu, or white beans. Simply add your choice of protein to the soup before adding the final seasonings and let it cook through.
Adding Grains
To make the soup heartier, you can add cooked grains such as rice, quinoa, or barley. Cook the grains separately and add them to the soup when it’s almost done cooking. This will add an extra element of texture and substance to the dish.
Making it Creamy
If you prefer a creamy vegetable soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or a countertop blender. Blend until smooth and then mix it back into the rest of the soup. This will give the soup a creamy consistency without adding any dairy products.
Storage
Storing in the Fridge
This vegetable soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or jars. This is a great option for meal prepping, as you can enjoy the soup for several days without much effort.
Freezing for Later Use
If you want to store the soup for longer periods, you can freeze it. Let the soup cool down completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers or use Souper Cube trays for portioning. Leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion during freezing. The soup can be frozen for up to three months.
Tips and Tricks
Using Fresh or Frozen Vegetables
One of the great things about this soup is its versatility. You can use either fresh or frozen vegetables, depending on what you have on hand. If using frozen vegetables, add them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Enhancing the Flavor
To enhance the flavor of the soup, sauté the vegetables with Italian seasoning and plenty of garlic. The fragrant combination of herbs and spices will add depth and complexity to the soup. Adding fresh lemon juice and parsley at the end brightens up the flavors and gives it a refreshing tang.
Adjusting the Thickness
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables with a fork or blend a portion of the soup until smooth. This will create a thicker, more substantial texture. Alternatively, if you like a thinner soup, you can add more broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Conclusion
This vegetable soup recipe is a perfect option for the winter season. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with flavor. By sautéing the vegetables, adding seasonings, and simmering them in a savory broth, you’ll have a nourishing and comforting soup that can be enjoyed as a vegetarian meal. Feel free to add protein, grains, or make it creamy to suit your preferences. With proper storage, you can enjoy this vegetable soup for days to come.
