Nourishing Simplicity: Hearty Vegetable Soup

Introduction:

Step into the world of comforting warmth and wholesome nourishment with Hearty Vegetable Soup. This soul-soothing concoction is a celebration of vibrant vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s a symphony of colors and textures that embrace the essence of simplicity and nourishment in every spoonful.

Hearty Vegetable Soup is a medley of nature’s bounty, where an assortment of vegetables dances harmoniously in a seasoned broth. Carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, and a variety of garden vegetables come together to create a comforting and nutritious meal. This soup is a testament to the beauty found in the simplicity of fresh, wholesome ingredients, inviting you to relish in its comforting embrace.

Servings: 6-8

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup peas (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to combine.
4. Add diced potatoes, chopped green beans, corn kernels, peas, dried thyme, and dried oregano to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve the Hearty Vegetable Soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Tips or Notes:

• Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables or those that are in season.
• Add a handful of pasta or rice during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking for a heartier version of the soup.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a parmesan rind to the soup while simmering.
• Store any leftovers in the refrigerator; soups often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.