Favorite Vegetable Soup
A hearty and nutritious vegetable soup featuring zucchini, carrots, and tomatoes, accented with fresh herbs and garlic. Its light, savory broth makes it perfect for a quick, wholesome lunch or dinner, appealing to vegetarians and anyone craving a comforting yet healthy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart saucepan, combine diced onion, minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of chicken broth; cook until onion is translucent.
- Add sliced zucchini, chopped tomatoes, remaining broth, chopped parsley, basil, and pepper.
- Cover and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding the broth. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or use other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans if you have them on hand. Fresh herbs will enhance the taste, but dried herbs work well too if fresh isn't available.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable soup is perfect as a light lunch or dinner and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or a slice of quiche. Consider garnishing with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Vegetable Soup contains roughly 606 calories, with 20g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (288% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (281% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 827mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made a day ahead. The flavors develop even more after sitting. Just let it cool before storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This vegetable soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove.
What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
You can customize this soup by adding vegetables like spinach, kale, or even potatoes. Just adjust cooking times as needed. Other options include corn or green beans, which are great in American recipes and can complement the existing flavors well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).