Garden Fresh Delight Soup

$When making Classic Garden Vegetable Soup, you need fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups fresh spinach or kale - Juice of 1 lemon (for brightness) The olive oil adds a rich base for flavor. The onion and garlic create a lovely aroma. Fresh vegetables bring color and nutrients. Vegetable broth and tomatoes provide depth and body to the soup. Dried herbs like thyme and basil add that classic taste. Finally, a splash of lemon juice brightens the whole dish. Gathering these ingredients makes cooking a delightful experience. You can mix and match veggies based on what you love or have on hand. Enjoy the process of chopping and prepping! Each ingredient plays a role in creating a vibrant, hearty soup. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sauté the aromatics Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. The onion should become soft and clear. Next, add the minced garlic and stir it in for one minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can change the soup's taste. 2. Add the vegetables Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook these for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften a bit but still hold their shape. After this, add the zucchini and green beans to the mix. Cook for another 3 minutes to let their flavors blend. 3. Combine broth and seasonings Pour in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Now, sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. This step adds depth to the soup's flavor. Bring the soup to a gentle boil. 4. Simmering the soup Once boiling, lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the vegetables to become tender. When the time is up, stir in the corn and fresh spinach (or kale). Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are wilted. Finally, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice for a burst of brightness in flavor. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and your soup is ready to enjoy! To make your soup great, even cooking matters. Cut all your veggies to the same size. This helps them cook at the same rate. For example, dice your carrots and zucchini evenly. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Dried thyme and basil work well in this soup. Add them early in the cooking process. This gives the herbs time to release their flavors. Also, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the taste just before serving. Avoid mushy vegetables by not overcooking them. Keep an eye on the simmering time. You want your veggies tender but not falling apart. Aim for about 15 to 20 minutes of simmering. This keeps your soup vibrant and fresh. Remember to taste as you cook. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. This ensures your soup is just right for you. Let these tips guide you to a delicious garden vegetable soup. Pro Tips Chop Uniformly: Ensure all vegetables are cut to similar sizes for even cooking and a consistent texture in your soup. Fresh Herbs Boost Flavor: Adding fresh herbs at the end of cooking enhances the aroma and flavor profile of the soup. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables to keep the soup fresh and exciting throughout the year. Make It Heartier: For a more filling soup, consider adding diced potatoes or cooked grains like quinoa or barley. {{image_2}} You can change this soup in many fun ways. Use what you have on hand. * Different vegetable options: You can swap out carrots for sweet potatoes. Try adding peas or mushrooms. Bell peppers can be any color. Each choice gives a new taste. * Protein additions: If you want more protein, add beans or lentils. Chickpeas work well too. They make the soup heartier and more filling. * Herb variations: You can replace dried thyme and basil with fresh herbs. Fresh parsley or cilantro add a nice touch. For a spicy kick, try some red pepper flakes. This soup is so flexible. You can make it your own. Enjoy the process and taste the flavors! Storing your classic garden vegetable soup is easy. First, let the soup cool down. Then, pour it into airtight containers. This keeps flavors fresh. For refrigeration, place the soup in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat it, just heat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. The soup can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, warm the soup on low heat on the stove. Stir it often. If it seems thick, add a bit of water or broth. You can also microwave it. Just make sure to cover it to avoid spills. Enjoy your delicious soup anytime! How can I make this soup vegan? To make this soup vegan, simply use vegetable broth. Make sure the broth is free from animal products. Also, skip any dairy toppings like cheese or cream. You can add more beans or lentils for protein. This keeps the soup hearty and filling. Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. They are a great option for convenience. Just add them directly to the pot. You may need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen veggies often cook faster than fresh ones. Watch them closely to avoid mushiness. What can I serve with this soup? This soup pairs well with crusty bread. You can also serve it with a simple salad. A light sandwich is another option. These sides will enhance your meal. They provide a nice contrast to the soup’s warm flavors. We explored the key ingredients for a delicious vegetable soup. You learned how to prepare it step by step. I shared tips for cooking and flavoring your soup. We also talked about fun variations and how to store your soup properly. In conclusion, making vegetable soup is simple and satisfying. With fresh ingredients and a few techniques, you can enjoy a healthy meal anytime. Happy cooking!$

Garden Fresh Delight Soup

A vibrant and healthy vegetable soup packed with fresh ingredients.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 bell pepper chopped
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup corn kernels
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can diced tomatoes with juices
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach or kale
1 lemon Juice of

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the zucchini and green beans to the pot, and cook for another 3 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, and stir to combine.
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Lower the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender.
When ready to serve, stir in the corn and fresh spinach (or kale), and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens wilt.
Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice to add brightness to the flavor. Adjust seasoning as desired.

Notes

Ladle the soup into deep bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for color. Serve with crusty bread on the side for a hearty meal.

Keyword fresh, healthy, soup, vegetable