A warm, comforting bowl of vegetable soup, brimming with vibrant veggies, perfectly seasoned, and topped with fresh herbs, is just what you need. My tasty vegetable soup recipe makes it simple to serve up in about twenty minutes!
Nutritional Info: 244 calories per serving
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
- 2 leeks (white part only), quartered and thinly sliced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 parsnips, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 small red potatoes, peeled and diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can whole tomatoes, drained, seeded, and finely chopped
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Small squeeze of lemon juice
PREPARATION
- Prep Ingredients: Have all ingredients prepared and ready for cooking as listed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a medium-large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and ghee or butter. Once melted, add leeks, carrots, parsnips, celery, and potatoes, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Season: Add Italian seasoning, dried parsley, and garlic, stirring to combine.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, then pour in the broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender but still slightly firm.
- Add Final Ingredients: Turn off the heat. Stir in the peas, kale, fresh parsley, and a small squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
TIPS & TIDBITS
- Vegetable Variety: Customize with your favorite veggies for a mix of earthy, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Richness with Ghee/Butter: Using both oil and ghee or butter adds depth of flavor.
- Add Leafy Greens Last: Stir in kale, peas, and delicate herbs once the soup is off the heat to retain their color and texture.
- Herbs: Use dried herbs for cooking and fresh ones for finishing touches.
- Broth Options: For a vegetarian soup, use vegetable broth; chicken broth can add a richer flavor if preferred.
- Lemon Brightness: A small squeeze of lemon enhances the flavors.
- Make Ahead: Soup develops more flavor over time, so feel free to make it a day or two in advance. Reheat gently, adding the greens, peas, and herbs just before serving for freshness.
