Easy homemade vegetable soup recipe | Healthy and quick meal

Homemade vegetable soup recipe is a dish full of health benefits, making it a distinctive option in any diet. It combines many essential nutrients that contribute to enhancing overall health and improving body functions. Here’s the best way to prepare this recipe in a delicious manner and create an unforgettable dish.

Benefits of vegetable soup recipe

Here are the most important health benefits of homemade vegetable soup and its positive impact on the body:

• Vegetable soup is an ideal choice for those aiming to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, as it contains low calories per serving, making it a filling meal without adding extra pounds.
• The vegetable soup recipe includes a variety of vegetables, making it a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as carrots, onions, celery, peas, and green beans.
• It features natural anti-inflammatory ingredients like onions and garlic. Onions are rich in antioxidants such as quercetin, which reduce oxidative stress, and garlic contains sulfur compounds that combat bacteria and viruses.
• It contains a high amount of dietary fiber that promotes digestive health. Fiber helps improve bowel movement, prevents constipation, and nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing the digestive system’s overall health.
• Regular consumption of vegetable soup helps prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases.
• The vegetables used in this soup, such as celery and tomatoes, have heart-health benefits. Celery helps lower blood pressure due to its flavonoids and potassium, while tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that reduces bad cholesterol levels and improves heart health.
• It offers a blend of complex carbohydrates and nutrient-rich vegetables, providing sustainable energy for the body and improving brain functions thanks to minerals like potassium and magnesium.
• The recipe boasts vitamins and minerals that promote skin and hair health. Vitamin C in tomatoes and peas contributes to collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
• It is easy to digest, making it an excellent choice for individuals with digestive issues or those recovering from illnesses.

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Tips for preparing a delicious vegetable soup recipe

These detailed tips will help you prepare the best homemade vegetable soup:

• Use fresh seasonal vegetables, as they offer the best flavor and nutritional value. If using herbs like parsley or cilantro, opt for fresh ones for a strong and distinctive flavor.
• Before cooking, ensure all ingredients are ready. Wash the vegetables thoroughly to remove any dirt or chemical residues, and prepare the garlic, onions, and spices for timely addition.
• Olive oil is a key ingredient in most vegetable soup recipes. Choose extra virgin olive oil for a distinctive flavor. When heating the oil, avoid reaching the smoking point to retain its health benefits and taste.
• Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until the onions turn translucent and the garlic aroma emerges. Then add celery and carrots to enhance the flavor.
• To achieve a balanced texture, avoid adding too much water at the start. Begin with a smaller amount and increase as needed. For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables and return them to the pot.
• Add dried spices such as black pepper, salt, and Italian herbs at the beginning of cooking to release their aromatic oils with the heat. Try adding a bay leaf during cooking for an additional aromatic touch.
• Once the soup starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• To make the soup special, you can add additional ingredients to enhance its taste and nutritional value, such as cooked lentils or chickpeas, along with quinoa, brown rice, or barley for added texture.
• For extra flavor, consider adding fresh roasted tomatoes instead of relying solely on canned tomatoes. Fresh thyme or rosemary can provide a unique touch. If you prefer creamy soup, add a little milk or cooking cream at the end.

Vegetable soup recipe

Homemade vegetable soup is a healthy and light recipe suitable for all ages. It relies on fresh and readily available ingredients, making it delicious and compatible with various dietary needs. Thus, it is an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious and easy-to-prepare meal.

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 4 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

 

• Chop and prepare the required vegetables before starting to cook. Ensure the vegetables are washed thoroughly.

  Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot, add onions and garlic, and sauté until onions are translucent. Then add carrots and celery, stirring for 5 minutes.

  Add potatoes, chopped tomatoes, and vegetable broth.

  Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Add peas and green beans and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

  Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley. You can also serve it with toasted bread or as a light meal on its own.

Notes

You can adjust the ingredients based on what’s available, such as adding zucchini or cauliflower. Add a teaspoon of tomato paste during cooking for a richer flavor.

Experiment with adding turmeric, cumin, or paprika for a different flavor. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a creamy taste.

For storage, let the soup cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. Reheat gently over low heat to retain its flavor and texture. Vegetable soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.

Calories: 480kcal

Keyword: Vegetable soup, Vegetable soup recipe

Now, enjoy the delicious and healthy vegetable soup recipe that combines simplicity with a delightful taste. Make it part of your diet, and you’ll notice a difference in your health and vitality.