Harvest Vegetable Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to comfort in a bowl with our Harvest Vegetable Soup! Packed with vibrant, seasonal veggies and a hint of lemon, this soup is a delightful way to celebrate autumn's bounty. It's simple, hearty, and perfect for any chilly evening.

Ingredients for Harvest Vegetable Soup

Olive oil is our base fat here, providing a smooth, fruity foundation for sautéing the onions and garlic. It also adds a touch of richness without overpowering the vegetables.

Onion and garlic are the aromatic backbone of this soup, offering depth and a gentle pungency that enhances the overall flavor.

Carrots and celery bring a classic mirepoix element, adding sweetness and subtle bitterness that balance the soup's flavors.

With zucchini and red bell pepper, you're adding a layer of texture and a pop of color, making each bite visually appealing and delightfully varied.

Green beans introduce a crisp, earthy note that complements the other veggies beautifully.

A can of diced tomatoes adds acidity and a slight sweetness, creating a rich, flavorful base for the broth.

Vegetable broth is the heart of our soup, providing depth and a savory backdrop for the vegetables.

A sprinkle of dried thyme and dried basil infuses the soup with earthy, aromatic notes that feel like a warm hug.

Kale adds a nutritious punch and a slightly bitter edge, which mellows out as it cooks.

A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up, tying all the flavors together with a refreshing zing.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a heartier soup, add a can of drained and rinsed beans, like cannellini or chickpeas.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the herbs.
  • Use fresh herbs if you have them on hand — they really make the flavors pop.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm, buttery biscuit. If you're feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top would be divine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
What can I use instead of kale?
Spinach or Swiss chard are great substitutes if kale isn't your thing.
How long will leftovers keep?
Stored in the fridge, this soup will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Harvest Vegetable Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in the onion and garlic. Stir them around for a few minutes until the onion turns translucent and fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

Add the carrots and celery next. Let them cook for about 5 minutes. You want them to start softening up but still hold their shape.

Now, in go your zucchini, red bell pepper, and green beans. Sauté these for another 3 minutes, just until they start to soften and their colors pop.

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir, then season with dried thyme, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring it all to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it bubble away gently for about 20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully.

Finally, stir in the kale and cook for another 5 minutes until it's wilted and tender. Finish with a splash of lemon juice, give it a final taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Loaded with fresh, seasonal vegetables
  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in under an hour
  • Perfectly customizable to suit your taste
  • Light yet satisfying — ideal for a cozy meal
  • Vegan-friendly and nutritious

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups kale, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in sliced carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Add diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and green beans, sauté for another 3 minutes.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, then season with dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Stir in chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the kale is wilted.
8. Finish by adding lemon juice, stir well and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

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