Hearty Garden Vegetable Soup — A Warm, Wholesome Bowl of Comfort!
This delicious vegetable soup is packed with fresh vegetables, comforting flavors, and nourishing goodness. It’s light yet satisfying, making it a wonderful choice for lunch, dinner, or whenever you’re craving something warm and cozy.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1–2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 chili pepper, finely minced (optional)
– 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable broth
– 1 cup (240 ml) water, or more as needed
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– ½ tsp black pepper
– Salt, to taste
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 cup chopped tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes
Instructions
1. Sauté the aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, leeks, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the vegetables:
Stir in the carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, potatoes, garlic, and chili pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to bring out their flavors.
3. Add the broth:
Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Add the tomatoes, thyme, parsley, black pepper, and bay leaf. Season with salt to taste.
4. Simmer:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for about 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
5. Finish and serve:
Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning. Serve hot, either chunky as-is or lightly blended for a smoother texture.
Optional Finishing Touches
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
A delicious bowl of homemade comfort—simple vegetables, big flavor, and the perfect soup for a cozy day!
If you love hearty homemade soups, save this recipe and give it a try!
