Lo-Cal Vegetable Soup (37-40 Calories Per Cup)
A light, flavorful vegetable soup with fresh greens, mushrooms, and a savory base, perfect for a healthy, low-calorie meal suitable for vegetarians and those watching calories.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the vegetable bouillon, carrots, celery, and cabbage to a boil and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add green beans, bean sprouts, mushrooms, onions, and chopped green pepper to the pot and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the tomato soup and heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil to the soup. You can substitute the vegetable bouillon with homemade stock for a richer taste. If you're looking for a protein boost, adding lentils or chickpeas can make this soup heartier. Try using frozen vegetables if fresh ones aren't available; they can be just as nutritious and save time in preparation.
Serving Suggestions
This Lo-Cal Vegetable Soup is perfect as a light lunch or dinner and pairs beautifully with crusty whole-grain bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. If you're looking for more hearty options, browse more vegan recipes to complement this healthy soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help maintain the soup's consistency during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Vegetable Soup (37-40 Calories Per Cup) contains roughly 410 calories, with 13g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (311% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 683mg per serving (30% 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 add meat to this vegetable soup?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken or turkey for additional protein. Simply shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces and stir it in after adding the tomato soup, allowing it to heat through.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it cooks for some heat. Alternatively, fresh chopped jalapeños can be added for a fresher flavor.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender and then stir it back into the pot. Another option is to add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water or some instant mashed potatoes to achieve a thicker consistency.
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).