How to Cook Delicious Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a healthy and nourishing meal that is easy to make and perfect for cold days. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent way to get your daily dose of veggies. Plus, you can customize it with any vegetables you like, making it a versatile and delicious meal. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a delicious vegetable soup that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 potato, chopped
1 cup chopped canned tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth or water
2 cups chopped vegetables (such as zucchini, green beans, peas, corn)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to cook a delicious vegetable soup:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and starting to brown.
Add the chopped potato, tomatoes, vegetable broth or water, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potato is tender.
Add the chopped vegetables, and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
Remove the bay leaf, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a slice of crusty bread.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and herbs to create your own unique vegetable soup recipe. Some popular additions include:

Cabbage
Mushrooms
Spinach
Sweet potatoes
Butternut squash
Cilantro
Chives
Thyme
Rosemary

Tips

Here are a few tips to make your vegetable soup even better:

Start with fresh, ripe vegetables for the best flavor.
Cut the vegetables into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra depth and richness.
Use a mix of fresh and dried herbs for a complex flavor.
Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for an easy meal later on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. However, be aware that this will change the flavor of the soup and it will no longer be vegetarian.