Fireside Vegetable Soup
Fireside Vegetable Soup combines hearty vegetables with a cheesy, toasted topping, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting, nutritious meal for vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 medium leeks (whites only), thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 large garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 2 cans (14 oz. each) chicken broth
- 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 medium zucchini, diced ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 c. red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1/2 c. frozen peas ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- herb bread ⓘ
- shredded Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter into a 2 to 3-quart saucepan.
- Add leeks and garlic and saute for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, stewed tomatoes, and carrots; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add zucchini, mushrooms, beans, and peas; simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into ovenproof soup bowls.
- Top each with a square of herb bread.
- Cover with 2 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Broil 4 inches beneath heat source for about 3 minutes until cheese melts and browns lightly.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheese. You can also customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as adding bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients. This soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fireside Vegetable Soup with a side of crusty herb bread for dipping. A fresh green salad pairs beautifully with this dish, rounding out the meal. For those who enjoy a bit of protein, consider serving it alongside Chicken Bean Stew for a heartier option. This soup also makes a great starter for any cozy dinner.
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 until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it and stir halfway for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fireside Vegetable Soup contains roughly 289 calories, with 12g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (155% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (44% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1736mg per serving (75% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the refrigerator. Just be sure to store the broth and toppings separately if you plan to broil the cheese. Reheat and add the cheese just before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of leeks?
If you don’t have leeks, you can substitute them with yellow or white onions. While the flavor will differ slightly, the texture will still enhance the soup. Just make sure to sauté the onions until they are translucent to develop a nice base flavor.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
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).