Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe!

🥣 Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 2 medium potatoes, cubed

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• 1 cup green peas

• 1 tomato, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)

• 6 cups vegetable broth (or water + bouillon)

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 sprig fresh thyme

• 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)

• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for a little warmth)

Instructions:

1. Sauté base:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).

2. Add vegetables:
   Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.

3. Add broth and seasonings:
   Pour in the vegetable broth. Add salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and paprika. Bring to a boil.

4. Simmer:
   Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

5. Add peas and corn:
   Stir in the peas and corn. Cook for another 5 minutes.

6. Taste and adjust:
   Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

🌿 Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped green beans or zucchini

• 1 can beans (kidney, cannellini, or chickpeas) for extra protein

• A squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness

💬 Q&A

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables?
✅ Yes! Frozen mixed vegetables work great and save time. Add them during the last 5–10 minutes of simmering.

Q2: How do I make it thicker?
✅ Mash some of the potatoes in the pot or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Q3: How long does it last in the fridge?
✅ Up to 5 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze it?
✅ Absolutely. Cool it completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I add meat or pasta?
✅ Sure! Add cooked chicken, beef, or sausage for a heartier meal. Or toss in ½ cup of small pasta (like ditalini or macaroni) during the last 10 minutes.