Simple & Delicious Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe
This easy-to-make hearty vegetable soup is packed with flavor from a comforting blend of potatoes, leeks, and other seasonal veggies. A perfect weeknight meal or cozy weekend treat!
About Time:
- Yields: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large leek, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 250g potatoes (waxy variety), peeled and cubed
- 1 liter vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh thyme sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Add onion, garlic, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Remaining Veggies: Add leek and carrots to the pot. Spray with cooking spray again. Cook, stirring occasionally, for a few more minutes until slightly softened.
- Simmer the Soup: Stir in thyme, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the soup directly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, you can remove half the soup and blend it in a blender.
- Season & Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations:
- Make it Heartier: Add cooked beans, lentils, or chickpeas to the soup for extra protein and fiber.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a pinch of dried oregano or rosemary.
- Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or a drizzle of cream before serving.