Recipe Healthy Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasoning

1. Pour in the Diced Tomatoes and Broth: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth to the pot.
2. Season the Soup: Stir in the thyme, oregano, cumin (if using), and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Simmer Until Vegetables Are Tender: Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
2. Add the Greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the greens are wilted.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Add Fresh Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice (if using) to brighten up the flavors.
2. Garnish: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for the Best Vegetable Soup:

• Use Seasonal Vegetables: This recipe is very flexible, so feel free to use whatever vegetables are in season or your favorites. Squash, mushrooms, or peas work great as substitutions.
• Make it More Filling: For a heartier soup, add a can of beans (like chickpeas or white beans), or stir in some cooked quinoa, barley, or whole wheat pasta.
• Blending for a Creamier Texture: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender, then stir it back into the pot.

Storage and Reheating:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion:

This Healthy Vegetable Soup is an easy and delicious way to pack a variety of nutritious veggies into your day. With its simple ingredients and hearty flavors, it’s a meal that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, dinner, or as a side to your favorite entrée. Perfect for meal prep, it can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week!