Quick Italian Vegetable Soup
A quick and hearty Italian vegetable soup packed with tomatoes, cabbage, and herbs, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal suitable for any time of day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pan.
- Stir in diced onion and shredded cabbage and heat for 2 minutes.
- Add water; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in drained mixed vegetables, stewed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and black pepper.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onions and cabbage. You can also substitute the mixed vegetables with your choice of fresh vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a more vibrant dish. If you prefer a heartier soup, add cooked pasta or beans. This recipe is a great opportunity to use up leftover vegetables as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, enjoy it alongside Italian Fried Zucchini. Don't hesitate to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra richness.
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 stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a bowl, covering it loosely to avoid splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Italian Vegetable Soup contains roughly 857 calories, with 23g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (211% of the Daily Value), iron (199% of the Daily Value), and calcium (119% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 517mg per serving (22% 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 freeze this Italian vegetable soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
What can I add to make this soup more filling?
To make the soup more filling, consider adding cooked pasta, such as small shells or ditalini. You can also add canned beans like cannellini or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber. This will enhance the soup's texture and make it more satisfying.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Quick Italian Vegetable Soup is completely vegetarian as it contains no meat or meat-based broth. It’s a great option for those looking for healthy vegetarian recipes, and you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables.
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).