Hearty Vegetable Soup

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Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté Aromatics:
    • Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Soup

  1. Add Vegetables:
    • Stir in the carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
  2. Add Broth and Beans:
    • Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  3. Season the Soup:
    • Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  4. Simmer:
    • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.

Step 3: Finish the Soup

  1. Add Greens (Optional):
    • If using baby spinach or kale, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt quickly and add a fresh touch.
  2. Adjust Seasonings:
    • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a bit of brightness, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Garnish:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread or croutons on the side.
  2. Enjoy:
    • Enjoy your hearty vegetable soup hot and comforting!

Tips for Perfect Vegetable Soup

  • Customization: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have or prefer. Potatoes, squash, or sweet potatoes work well too.
  • Beans: Use any type of beans you like or have on hand, such as black beans or cannellini beans.
  • Broth: For a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Hearty Vegetable Soup is a versatile and nourishing dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. With its array of fresh vegetables and beans, it’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting bowl on a chilly day, this soup is sure to warm you up and keep you satisfied.

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