A hearty, comforting vegetable soup packed with colorful vegetables, beans, and herbs. This nourishing one-pot meal is perfect for meal prep, cozy dinners, and a wholesome plant-forward lifestyle.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (or 2 cups cubed sweet potato)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped)
2 bay leaves
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
Optional: grated Parmesan, olive oil drizzle, or nutritional yeast for serving
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion with a pinch of salt and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
3. Stir in potatoes, red bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans, coating vegetables with the aromatics.
4. Add diced tomatoes, beans, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves. Increase heat and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat to a simmer, partially cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Remove bay leaves and stir in spinach or kale. Cook 2 minutes until wilted.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to brighten flavors.
8. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil, Parmesan, or nutritional yeast.
For creamier soup, blend one cup of cooked potatoes and stir back into the pot.
Chop vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
Add greens near the end to preserve color and texture.
Soup freezes well in individual portions for easy meals.
Find it online: https://www.ketorecipesideas.com/hearty-vegetarian-healthy-soup/