Winter Vegetable Soup
Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty Winter Vegetable Soup, packed with savory turkey or Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and tender beans. It's a nutritious choice that caters to family gatherings or cozy nights in, providing both comfort and flavor in every bowl.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. Turkey or Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 c. diced onion ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 2 small zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1 - 16oz. can tomatoes, chopped and undrained ⓘ
- 2 c. finely shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crumbled Basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 minced garlic clove ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 cans beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1 can (16oz) Great Northern Beans ⓘ
Instructions
- Assemble all ingredients (except beans) in a large kettle and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add the beans, undrained, and reheat.
- Ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or sweet potatoes along with the other vegetables. You can substitute the turkey or Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. If fresh basil is available, use it instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, enhancing it with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a light pasta dish or a grain salad, like Cabbage And Rice Jambalaya In Rice Cooker, for added texture. Top each bowl with grated Parmesan for a savory finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Winter Vegetable Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Winter Vegetable Soup contains roughly 512 calories, with 17g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (319% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1753mg per serving (76% 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 use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient alternative. Just be sure to adjust cooking times, as they might require less time to become tender. Frozen zucchini and carrots work well, but avoid using frozen cabbage as it may become mushy.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the onion and garlic first for added flavor, then add all ingredients except the beans to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost protein content, consider adding cooked lentils or chickpeas. You can also stir in some cooked quinoa or farro, which not only enhances nutrition but also adds a nice texture. For meat lovers, diced cooked chicken or additional sausage can also be included.
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).