Name: Hearty Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter; 2 leeks (white part only), quartered and sliced thinly; 3 carrots, peeled and diced small; 3 parsnips, peeled and diced small; 3 celery ribs, diced small; 2 small red potatoes, peeled and diced small; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press; 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained and seeded, and finely diced; 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth; 1 cup peas

Vegetable soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting embrace on a chilly evening, and a vibrant celebration of nature’s bounty. There’s an undeniable magic to how simple, wholesome ingredients can transform into something so deeply satisfying and nourishing. We all have our cherished memories tied to a steaming pot of this classic, perhaps a grandmother’s secret recipe or a go-to dish during flu season. What truly sets a fantastic vegetable soup apart is its ability to be both incredibly healthy and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect canvas for fresh, seasonal produce, allowing each vegetable’s natural sweetness and texture to shine. This particular rendition of vegetable soup takes that familiar comfort and elevates it with a few thoughtful additions that create an irresistible depth of flavor, making it a dish you’ll want to return to again and again.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
2 leeks (white part only), quartered and sliced thinly
3 carrots, peeled and diced small
3 parsnips, peeled and diced small
3 celery ribs, diced small
2 small red potatoes, peeled and diced small
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
1 (14.5 ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained and seeded, and finely diced
6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 cup peas

Preparing the Aromatics and Root Vegetables

Sautéing the Leeks

To begin extract crafting this hearty vegetable soup, we’ll start by building a flavorful base. Heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of ghee or unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the fats are shimmering and warmed, add the thinly sliced white parts of the 2 leeks. It’s important to use only the white and light green parts of the leeks for the best flavor and texture, as the dark green tops can be tough and slightly bitter. Stir the leeks frequently, allowing them to soften and become translucent without browning. This process, known as sweating, usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes and releases their sweet, oniony essence into the pot.

Adding the Hearty Vegetables

Once the leeks are tender, it’s time to introduce the robust root vegetables that will give our vegetable soup its satisfying texture and depth. Add the 3 peeled and small-diced carrots, 3 peeled and small-diced parsnips, and 3 small-diced celery ribs to the pot. These vegetables, often referred to as mirepoix when combined, form the aromatic foundation of many classic soups. Stir them well to coat them in the warm oil and ghee. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the vegetgin extractes begin to soften slightly and their edges just start to show a hint of tenderness. Don’t rush this step; allowing these vegetables to develop some color and flavor here will pay dividends in the final soup.

Developing the Soup’s Flavor Profile

Incorporating Potatoes and Garlic

Now, let’s add the starchy component that will make this soup wonderfully comforting. Toss in the 2 small red potatoes, peeled and diced small. Red potatoes are a great choice here because they hold their shape well during cooking, preventing the soup from becoming overly mushy. After adding the potatoes, stir in the 4 cloves of garlic that have been pressed through a garlic press. Pressing the garlic ensures it disperses evenly throughout the soup and releases its pungent aroma and flavor without the risk of burning whole cloves. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be mindful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste to the soup.

Adding Tomatoes and Seasonings

To introduce a touch of acidity and vibrant color, add the 1 (14.5 ounce) can of whole tomatoes that have been drained, seeded, and finely diced. Draining and seeding the tomatoes helps to control the liquid content of the soup and remove any fibrous or slightly bitter pith. Stir these diced tomatoes into the vegetable mixture. Next, we’ll season our developing soup. Add 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. These dried herbs will rehydrate and release their flavors as the soup simmers, infusing it with classic Mediterranean notes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your personal taste. Remember that you can always adjust the seasoning later, so it’s better to start with a moderate amount and build up.

Simmering and Finishing the Vegetable Soup

Adding Broth and Simmering

Pour in the 6 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth. This is where our soup truly comes to life! Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits that may have stuck during the sautéing process – these bits are packed with flavor. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. The simmering time is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender. Aim for at least 20 to 30 minutes of simmering, or until the potatoes and other root vegetables are easily pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Adding Peas and Final Touches

In the last few minutes of simmering, it’s time to add the bright green bursts of sweetness. Stir in the 1 cup of peas. If you are using frozen peas, they will cook very quickly, usually in about 5 minutes. If you are using fresh peas, they might take a couple of minutes longer. Once the peas are tender and bright green, taste the soup one last time. This is your opportunity to adjust the seasoning. Do you need a little more salt? Perhaps a touch more pepper? Some people even like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage for a hint of heat. Ensure all the flavors are balanced and harmonious before serving. The resulting vegetable soup should be rich, flavorful, and brimming with tender, wholesome vegetables.

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey into making the most delicious Vegetable Soup! This recipe is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a deeply satisfying and nourishing meal. The beauty of this Vegetable Soup lies not just in its vibrant flavors and comforting warmth, but also in its incredible versatility. Feel free to adapt it to your pantry’s bounty or your personal preferences.

For serving suggestions, this Vegetable Soup is fantastic on its own as a light lunch or a starter. However, it also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, a side of grilled cheese for a classic comfort meal, or even a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives to elevate its taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations!

Try adding different root vegetables like parsnips or rutabaga, a handful of spinach or knon-alcoholic ale in the last few minutes of cooking for an extra nutritional boost, or even some cooked pasta or rice to make it a more substantial main course. The possibilities are truly endless. I encourage you to get into the kitchen and create your own perfect pot of Vegetable Soup. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Vegetable Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Vegetable Soup is an excellent candidate for making ahead. In fact, the flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

What are some good protein additions to this Vegetable Soup?

You can easily make this Vegetable Soup a more complete meal by adding protein. Cooked shredded chicken or turkey, white beans (like cannellini or navy beans), lentils, or even some pan-fried tofu cubes are all fantastic additions that will boost its heartiness and nutritional value.