Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup. This soul-warming classic brims with colorful veggies like potatoes, carrots, green beans, sweet corn, and garden-fresh tomatoes, all tucked into a savory, aromatic broth. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or just want something nourishing and easy, this soup will be a go-to on those chilly nights when you crave big flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet vibrant ingredients. Each vegetable and herb adds a unique contribution, from the sweetness of corn to the earthiness of potatoes, helping create layers of flavors and a satisfying texture in every spoonful.

• Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil starts your recipe off with a subtle, fruity richness that softens veggies beautifully.
• Yellow onion: Diced onion forms the savory flavor base that perfumes the soup.
• Garlic: Just a few minced cloves infuse a gentle pungency, essential for a truly aromatic broth.
• Carrots: Sliced carrots add natural sweetness and fantastic color.
• Celery: Chopped celery brings an herbaceous, fresh note and a soft crunch.
• Potatoes: Peeled and diced potatoes make the soup hearty and creamy as they cook through.
• Green beans: Snappy green beans supply both fiber and that welcome garden-green bite.
• Frozen corn: Sweet corn kernels lend pops of juicy flavor and sunny yellow hue.
• Frozen peas: Simple frozen peas keep their color and gentle sweetness even after simmering.
• Diced tomatoes: A single can (with juices) imparts tang and a delicate thickness to the broth.
• Vegetable broth: A full six cups of broth ensure every veggie gets cozy in a deeply savory, well-seasoned base.
• Dried basil: An essential herb that lends Italian-inspired notes.
• Dried oregano: Oregano brings depth and a faint hint of earthiness that ties everything together.
• Thyme: Just a touch of thyme rounds out the herbal bouquet.
• Salt and black pepper: Always taste and adjust to ensure every ingredient truly shines.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Chopped parsley delivers a shower of freshness and color when you serve.

How to Make Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot set over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Let these aromatics sizzle and soften for five to six minutes. This gentle sauté helps release their flavors, setting the stage for a deeply satisfying soup base that smells irresistible right from the start.

Step 2: Add Potatoes, Green Beans, and Herbs

Now it’s time to stir in the diced potatoes, chopped green beans, and your trio of dried herbs: basil, oregano, and thyme. Let this mixture cook for a couple of minutes. The potatoes and beans will absorb those herby flavors, promising heartiness and depth in every bite.

Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes and Broth

Add the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), then pour in the vegetable broth. Give everything a generous stir so the flavors mingle. The tomatoes will add a gentle tanginess and beautifully color the soup, while the broth bathes the veggies in savory comfort, making it unmistakably Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Bring your pot to a boil, then immediately lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered. Over the next 25 to 30 minutes, the vegetables soften and the broth thickens just enough to make every spoonful cozy and complete. Don’t rush this step; gentle simmering is where the magic (and flavor) happens!

Step 5: Finish with Peas and Corn

Five minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the frozen peas and corn. They cook quickly and add a final burst of color and sweetness. At this point, taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper to suit your preference. That last adjustment brings everything perfectly into balance.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your hot Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup into bowls, top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and maybe add a slice of crusty bread on the side. Each bowl is a celebration of comfort, color, and flavor — just right for sharing.

How to Serve Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup

Garnishes

Give your Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup a vibrant finish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or even a swirl of olive oil. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon just before serving can really brighten the flavors, making each bowl feel restaurant-worthy at home.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with rustic country bread, a cheesy garlic toast, or even a crisp green salad to round out the meal. If you’re feeling extra cozy, consider serving it with baked sweet potatoes or a scoop of herbed rice for an especially satiating lunch or supper.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or petite mugs for an appetizer course. Kids love it sprinkled with homemade croutons, and for a colorful touch, scatter microgreens or a dash of hot sauce over each serving. Presentation is an invitation to enjoy your Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup to the fullest!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This soup holds up like a champ for up to four days, and many say the flavors are even richer the next day, making it a top pick for weekly meal prep.

Freezing

Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup freezes beautifully. Simply transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep its vibrant taste and texture for up to three months, so you can always have comfort food ready when you need it!

Reheating

To reheat, pour your soup into a pot and warm gently over medium heat until it’s piping hot, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal, just add a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened up too much.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this soup?

Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Swap in or add zucchini, spinach, kale, cabbage, or bell peppers depending on what’s in season or in your crisper drawer. The core method works with almost any mix of vegetables you love.

Can I make this soup gluten free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten free as written — just check that your vegetable broth is certified gluten free. If you want something a bit more filling, you can add a scoop of cooked quinoa or gluten free pasta right before serving.

Is this Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup vegan?

Yes! There are no animal products in the base recipe, so it’s a fantastic vegan-friendly option for any meal. You can boost nutrition with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or finish with a vegan parmesan if you like.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You sure can. Sauté your onions, garlic, carrots, and celery first for the best flavor, then add everything (except peas and corn) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, adding the peas and corn in the last 30 minutes.

How can I make it even more filling?

Try adding a can of drained and rinsed beans (like cannellini or chickpeas), a handful of small pasta shapes, or toss in some cooked lentils. Extra protein and fiber make your bowl of Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup satisfying enough for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, vibrant, and utterly satisfying dish, make Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup a regular at your table. It’s a true celebration of vegetables, easy enough for busy weeknights and nourishing enough for sharing. Gather your biggest pot and enjoy every hearty spoonful!

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