Simple Vegetable Soup: Delicious in Under 60 Minutes

Okay, so let’s talk soup! I’ve been making this simple vegetable soup for, like, ever. Seriously, it’s my go-to when I want something healthy and comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s totally vegan, which is awesome, and honestly, even if you’re not vegan, you won’t even miss the meat – promise!

My favorite thing about this simple vegetable soup recipe? It’s just so darn flexible. You can throw in whatever veggies you’ve got hanging around. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients! We’re talking a real boost of vitamins and fiber in every single bowl. It’s flavorful, it’s easy, and it’s good for you – what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Simple Vegetable Soup

Seriously, this isn’t just *another* soup recipe. This simple vegetable soup is gonna be your new best friend. Why? Let me tell you:

• It’s ready in a flash!
• It’s bursting with flavor.
• It’s actually good for you.

Quick and Easy Simple Vegetable Soup

Okay, time is precious, right? That’s why I love this. From chopping board to bowl, you’re looking at under an hour. Weeknight dinner? Sorted!

Packed with Flavor and Nutrients in This Simple Vegetable Soup

Forget boring soups! We’re loading this up with tons of different veggies and tasty herbs. Each spoonful is like a vitamin explosion – plus, it tastes amazing!

Vegan and Gluten-Free Simple Vegetable Soup

Got dietary needs? No problem! This simple vegetable soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Everyone can enjoy a bowl of goodness, no stressing about ingredients.

Ingredients for Simple Vegetable Soup

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Nothing too fancy here, just good ol’ veggies and spices. I’ll walk you through it – trust me, it’s easier than it looks. Don’t worry too much about exact measurements; soup’s forgiving! But here’s what I usually grab:

Vegetables

You’ll want 2 cups of chopped onion (yellow or white, whatever you’ve got!). Then, 1 ½ cups each of chopped carrot and celery. And don’t forget 2 cups of chopped potato – I like Yukon gold, but Russets work too. Oh, and 3 to 4 cups of chopped or shredded cabbage. Green cabbage is my go-to!

Spices and Seasoning

Okay, spices! You’ll need 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (adds a great depth of flavor!). Then, 4 teaspoons of minced garlic, ¾ teaspoon of ground fennel seed (trust me on this one!), ½ teaspoon each of ground black pepper and fine sea salt (plus more to taste, of course!). And a pinch – like ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon – of crushed red pepper flakes, if you’re feeling spicy!

Liquids

For the liquid, grab one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes (with their liquid!). And 6 cups of stock or broth. I like vegetable broth to keep it vegan, but chicken broth works great too!

How to Prepare Simple Vegetable Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, this simple vegetable soup is super easy to throw together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal in no time! I promise, even if you’re not a pro chef, you can totally nail this.

Sauté the Vegetables

First, grab a large pot – like, a really big one! Heat up 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Then, toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook ’em until they soften up a bit – usually around 8 to 10 minutes. You want them nice and tender.

Add Spices and Tomatoes

Next, stir in the 4 teaspoons of minced garlic, ¾ teaspoon of ground fennel seed, ½ teaspoon each of black pepper and salt, and those red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook it all for just one minute. Careful, the garlic can burn quickly! Then stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.

Simmer the Simple Vegetable Soup

Okay, now pour in the 15oz can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain them!) and add the 6 cups of broth. Then, add your chopped potatoes, shredded cabbage, and 2 bay leaves. Crank up the heat until it starts boiling, then turn it down to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is where all those flavors really come together!

Finish and Serve Your Simple Vegetable Soup

Alright, almost there! Stir in that cup of frozen peas and cook for just five more minutes. Then, take the pot off the heat and fish out those bay leaves (don’t eat ’em!). Now, stir in ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice – this brightens everything up! Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. And there you have it! Ladle that simple vegetable soup into bowls and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Simple Vegetable Soup

Want to take your simple vegetable soup from “meh” to “WOW!”? Here are a few of my favorite tricks. They’re easy peasy, I promise!

Choosing Your Vegetables for Simple Vegetable Soup

Seriously, fresh is best! Hit up your local farmers market for seasonal veggies. They’ll taste way better than anything from the store, trust me!

Seasoning the Simple Vegetable Soup to Perfection

Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust. A little extra salt can really bring out the flavors of the veggies.

Adding Depth of Flavor to Simple Vegetable Soup

Homemade broth takes this soup to the next level. If you don’t have any, try adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme while it simmers. So good!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Simple Vegetable Soup

Okay, let’s talk swaps! Sometimes you’re missing an ingredient, or maybe you just wanna mix things up. No stress! This simple vegetable soup is super flexible. Here’s the lowdown on some easy changes you can make.

Broth Substitutions for Simple Vegetable Soup

Out of vegetable broth? No problem! Chicken broth works great if you’re not vegan. Or, in a pinch, just use water and a bouillon cube. It’s not *quite* the same, but it’ll do!

Vegetable Variations for Simple Vegetable Soup

Seriously, raid your fridge! No cabbage? Throw in some spinach or kale. Don’t have carrots? Sweet potatoes are awesome. Zucchini, green beans, corn… go wild! Just adjust the cooking time if you’re using delicate veggies that cook quickly.

Spice Adjustments for Simple Vegetable Soup

Not a fan of fennel? A pinch of anise seed gives a similar vibe. If you don’t have red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce works too. And honestly, just use whatever spices you love! It’s *your* soup!

Serving Suggestions for Simple Vegetable Soup

Okay, so you’ve got your amazing simple vegetable soup… now what? Well, it’s pretty awesome on its own, but adding a little something on the side can make it a *real* meal. Here are a few of my go-to pairings:

Bread and Simple Vegetable Soup

Gotta have bread, right? A crusty loaf for dipping is perfect. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, some garlic bread or even just some simple crackers work a treat!

Salad and Simple Vegetable Soup

For a super healthy meal, try a side salad! Something light and fresh, like a simple green salad with a vinaigrette, complements the soup perfectly.

Protein Additions to Simple Vegetable Soup

Want to bulk it up a bit? Grilled chicken slices are great (if you’re not vegan, obvs!). Or, for a vegan option, some crumbled tofu or a can of drained and rinsed beans adds extra protein and makes it super filling!

How to Store and Reheat Your Simple Vegetable Soup

Made a big batch of simple vegetable soup? Awesome! Leftovers are the best. Here’s how to keep it fresh and reheat it like a pro (so it tastes just as good – or even better – the next day!).

Storing Leftover Simple Vegetable Soup

Let your soup cool down a bit first (don’t put a steaming hot pot straight in the fridge!). Then, just pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. Easy peasy!

Reheating Simple Vegetable Soup

Stovetop is my fave – just heat it over medium until it’s nice and bubbly. Give it a stir now and then. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just zap it for a few minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s heated through. Careful, it can get super hot!

Simple Vegetable Soup FAQ

Got questions about this simple vegetable soup? I bet you do! Here are the answers to some of the most common things people ask me. Hopefully, this clears everything up so you can make the *perfect* batch!

Can I freeze Simple Vegetable Soup?

Absolutely! This soup freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for a few months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge – and then reheat as usual!

How long does Simple Vegetable Soup last in the fridge?

In the fridge, your simple vegetable soup should be good for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. If it starts to smell funky or look weird, toss it – better safe than sorry!

Can I add meat to Simple Vegetable Soup?

You bet! If you’re not vegan, adding some cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef can make it even heartier. Just brown the meat before you add the veggies, or stir in pre-cooked meat during the simmering stage. You might need to adjust the cooking time a bit to make sure everything’s heated through!

Nutritional Information for Simple Vegetable Soup

Okay, so here’s the deal with the nutritional info. Because everyone uses different brands and veggies, it’s impossible to give you exact numbers. Just keep in mind that the calories, sugar, sodium, etc., will vary depending on what *you* put in your simple vegetable soup!

Make Simple Vegetable Soup Today!

So, what are you waiting for? Seriously, this simple vegetable soup is calling your name! Get in the kitchen, chop some veggies, and whip up a batch. And hey, when you do, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! Or snap a pic and share it on social media – I’d love to see your creations!

Print