In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine.
Add the diced potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, and kidney beans to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard.
Ladle the Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup, you’ll need:
Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
How to Serve
This Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup is delicious served hot with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and flavor. Enjoy it on its own as a satisfying and nourishing meal, or pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and balanced lunch or dinner. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer-term storage, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating it for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I customize this soup with different vegetables? A: Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables in this recipe with your favorites or whatever you have on hand. Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, peas, and corn are all great additions to this soup.
Q: Can I add protein like chicken or tofu to this soup? A: Of course! If you prefer a heartier soup with added protein, you can certainly add cooked chicken, tofu, or even cooked quinoa or lentils to the soup. Simply stir in your protein of choice during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot if desired. For the slow cooker, simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to cook the vegetables and herbs, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a quick release.
Conclusion
With its nourishing blend of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and hearty beans, our Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nutritious option for any mealtime. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch on the go, this soup is sure to warm your heart and nourish your body with every delicious spoonful.
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