Rustic Vegetable Soup

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Rustic Vegetable Soup is your go-to comfort dish, perfect for those cozy nights when you crave something hearty yet healthy. With seasonal veggies and a rich broth, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients for Rustic Vegetable Soup

Olive oil is the base for sautéing and adds a subtle flavor. Onion and garlic bring in depth and aromatic warmth. Carrots and celery provide a sweet, earthy backbone, while zucchini and potato add heartiness. Cabbage gives a slight crunch and absorbs the broth beautifully. Diced tomatoes introduce a tangy richness, and vegetable broth ties everything together. Bay leaves and thyme enhance the aroma, making each spoonful inviting.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup.
  • For a protein boost, add a can of drained and rinsed beans such as cannellini or chickpeas.
  • Feel free to swap in other vegetables like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added greens.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad. You might also consider topping it with freshly grated Parmesan or a dollop of pesto for an extra flavor kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. You might want to add a splash more broth to adjust for the thicker consistency.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Rustic Vegetable Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté these until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.

Next, add the carrots and celery to the pot. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to cook for another 5 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor.

Now, it's time to add the zucchini, potato, and cabbage. Let these cook for an additional 5 minutes. You'll notice the vegetables starting to soften, which is exactly what we want.

Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Give it all a good stir to combine. Add the bay leaves and thyme, then increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights.
  • Packed with nutritious vegetables for a wholesome meal.
  • Versatile — customize with your favorite seasonal produce.
  • Warm and comforting, perfect for cold days.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 zucchini, diced
1 potato, diced
2 cups chopped cabbage
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in carrots and celery, cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add zucchini, potato, and cabbage, cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
6. Add bay leaves and thyme, bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remove bay leaves before serving.

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