Winter Vegetable Soup is a hearty and nourishing dish that showcases the best of seasonal vegetables. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is perfect for warming you up on cold winter days. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients List
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Timing
Preparing Winter Vegetable Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. Total time is approximately 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
- Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the diced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Incorporate Potatoes and Squash: Add the diced potato and butternut squash, stirring to combine.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season: Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Finish the Soup
- Add Green Beans and Greens: Stir in the green beans and chopped kale or spinach. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the greens are wilted and the green beans are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread on the side.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 5g |
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce sodium content.
- Add more leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens for added nutrients.
- Substitute some of the potatoes with additional vegetables to lower carbohydrates.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty whole-grain bread or a baguette for dipping.
- A side salad for a refreshing contrast.
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure the vegetables remain tender but not mushy.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors.
- Using Old Vegetables: Fresh, seasonal vegetables will provide the best flavor and texture.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Winter Vegetable Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
In just about 45 minutes, you can create a delicious and comforting Winter Vegetable Soup that’s perfect for chilly days. This soup is not only satisfying but also a great way to enjoy seasonal produce!
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve after a day.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes! You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What can I do if I have leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the soup for different flavors and textures.
Winter Vegetable Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- • 2 tablespoons olive oil
- • 1 medium onion, diced
- • 2 cloves garlic, minced
- • 2 carrots, diced
- • 2 celery stalks, diced
- • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- • 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and diced
- • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- • 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
- • 4 cups vegetable broth
- • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- • Salt and pepper to taste
- • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the diced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Incorporate Potatoes and Squash: Add the diced potato and butternut squash, stirring to combine.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season: Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Green Beans and Greens: Stir in the green beans and chopped kale or spinach. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the greens are wilted and the green beans are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread on the side.
