Simple but Perfect Vegetable Soup

This simple vegetable soup is everything you want in a comforting, healthy meal. Made with humble vegetables and a deeply flavorful broth, it is proof that the best meals do not need to be complicated.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the remaining vegetables: Stir in the diced zucchini and green beans. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to slightly soften.
3. Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the vegetable broth. Add the dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
5. Season and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Recipe Notes

• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Customizations: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, corn, peas, or spinach. For a protein boost, add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans along with the broth.

This recipe was optimized for easy scaling. Adjust the ingredients to suit your household.