Description
Wholesome Vegetable Soup
This classic vegetable soup is packed with simple ingredients and bold flavors. A must-try for soup enthusiasts!
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, minced
3 carrots, chopped
2 celery sticks, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 cups vegetable stock
½ tsp paprika
Fresh parsley
Steps:
Heat oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic.
Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir occasionally for 4 minutes.
Add stock and paprika, simmer for 20 minutes.
Garnish with parsley and serve steaming hot.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect vegetable soup every time.
- Prepare all vegetables as directed. Having your “mise en place” ready is key.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the minced onion and crushed garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the chopped carrots, diced celery, and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to coat in the oil and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to just begin to soften.
- Carefully pour in the 3 cups of vegetable stock, ensuring it covers the vegetables. Add the ½ tsp of paprika and stir well.
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small crack for steam to escape.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all vegetables are fork-tender.
- Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile soup pairs beautifully with several sides. For a hearty meal, serve with a thick slice of crusty, buttered bread or a warm, soft dinner roll to soak up the broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. To add protein, consider topping the soup with canned, rinsed chickpeas added in the last 5 minutes of simmering, or serve with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.
How-to Summary
Sauté onion and garlic. Add and soften remaining vegetables. Cover with stock, add paprika, and simmer until tender. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely. This recipe is a template. Zucchini, green beans, peas, or corn are excellent additions. Add softer veggies (like peas) in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
How can I make this soup creamier? For a creamy version, blend half the soup with an immersion blender or in a standard blender (vented carefully) and stir it back into the pot.
How long does it keep in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3-4 days. The flavors often improve the next day.
Can I freeze this vegetable soup? Yes, it freezes very well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
My soup tastes bland. What can I do? Ensure you adequately salted the vegetables while sautéing. To fix a finished soup, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of soy sauce for depth, along with more salt and pepper.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pot when sautéing: This steams the vegetables instead of browning them, reducing flavor development. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Boiling instead of simmering: A rolling boil will break down the vegetables too aggressively, making them mushy. Maintain a gentle simmer.
- Underseasoning: Don’t be shy with salt. Season in layers—a pinch when sautéing vegetables and again at the end to taste.
- Cutting vegetables unevenly: Chopping vegetables into uniform sizes ensures they all cook at the same rate.
Conclusion
This wholesome vegetable soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a foundation for nutritious, comforting meals. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing for endless customization based on what’s in your pantry. Mastering this fundamental dish provides a reliable, healthy option for any day of the week. We hope it becomes a cherished staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Rate this recipe from 1 to 10 below! #VeggieGoodness
