Speedy Vegetable Soup
A hearty and flavorful vegetable soup packed with tender vegetables and savory chicken broth. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, this soup offers a comforting blend of flavors and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Ideal for a healthy lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (49 oz. and 14-1/2 oz.) low-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, chopped ⓘ
- 1 envelope onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth, sliced celery, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, chopped carrots, onion soup mix, bay leaf, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add the diced tomatoes; heat through.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Speedy Vegetable Soup, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. For a heartier version, you can include cooked quinoa or beans. If you're looking for vegetarian options, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. This soup can also be customized with any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Speedy Vegetable Soup with a crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This soup pairs beautifully with Chicken-Almond Puffs to create a satisfying lunch or dinner. For extra protein, consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas. Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese or croutons for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pour the soup into a saucepan over medium heat and warm until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal. Freezing is an option too; just remember to leave some space in the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Speedy Vegetable Soup contains roughly 112 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use fresh vegetables instead of canned or frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can add more flavor and nutrition to your soup. Just be sure to chop them into similar sizes for even cooking. You might need to adjust the cooking time based on the freshness and size of the vegetables you choose.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference. Just remember to taste as you go to find the perfect balance.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily make Speedy Vegetable Soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender. Just remember to add the diced tomatoes towards the end of the cooking time for a fresher taste.
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).