There’s nothing like a warm bowl of homemade vegetable soup to comfort both body and soul. This recipe makes the most of fresh seasonal produce: light and fresh in the summer, hearty and nourishing in the colder months. It’s delicious, healthy, and super easy to prepare — the perfect family meal.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced (summer) or butternut squash (fall/winter)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (seasonal greens)
- 1 cup fresh or canned tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans or peas (spring/summer)
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or thyme, depending on season)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the base: In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add firm veggies: Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for a few minutes.
- Add seasonal vegetables: Mix in zucchini or squash along with the tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the broth, add the bay leaf, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Finish with greens: Add green beans or peas, and the spinach or kale. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season and serve: Adjust with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving hot.
Chef’s Tip: Serve with crusty bread or sprinkle with grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this soup is its seasonal flexibility: light with zucchini and peas in summer, cozy with squash and kale in winter. It’s affordable, packed with nutrients, and perfect for the whole family.
FAQs
Can I make this with homemade broth?
Absolutely! Homemade vegetable or chicken broth adds even more depth of flavor.
Can it be frozen?
Yes! This soup freezes wonderfully. Store in portions and thaw for a quick, healthy meal.
What other veggies can I add?
Leeks, mushrooms, broccoli, or any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
Is it vegan-friendly?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and skip the cheese topping.
Conclusion
This seasonal vegetable soup is a timeless recipe: healthy, versatile, and packed with comfort. Whether on a chilly winter evening or a breezy spring day, it always delivers warmth and nourishment.
With love,
Chef Yolanda
Seasonal Vegetable Comfort Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
There’s nothing like a warm bowl of homemade vegetable soup to comfort both body and soul. This recipe makes the most of fresh seasonal produce: light and fresh in the summer, hearty and nourishing in the colder months. It’s delicious, healthy, and super easy to prepare — the perfect family meal.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced (summer) or butternut squash (fall/winter)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (seasonal greens)
- 1 cup fresh or canned tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans or peas (spring/summer)
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or thyme, depending on season)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for a few minutes.
- Mix in zucchini or squash along with the tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the broth, add the bay leaf, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add green beans or peas, and the spinach or kale. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving hot.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or sprinkle with grated Parmesan for extra flavor. This soup is versatile and adapts beautifully to the seasons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegetable soup, seasonal vegetables, healthy soup, comfort food