If you are craving something hearty, wholesome, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Vegetable Soup is the perfect choice to warm your soul. It’s a delightful medley of fresh vegetables, tender potatoes, and a savory broth that comes together effortlessly to create a nourishing and satisfying meal. This Vegetable Soup isn’t just comforting; it’s a celebration of textures and colors that brighten up any day and leave you feeling cozy and energized.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Vegetable Soup lies in its simplicity and the harmony each ingredient brings to the pot. Every component, from the crisp celery to the juicy tomatoes, works in tandem to build layers of flavor and texture that make each spoonful a delight.

Olive oil: 1/4 cup of rich olive oil provides a perfect base for sautéing and adds a smooth, fruity note.
Yellow onion: 1 diced, this adds a mild sweetness and depth to the soup as it cooks down.
Celery stalks: 2 diced, giving the soup a subtle crunch and fresh aroma.
Garlic cloves: 2 minced, infusing the broth with a warm, fragrant kick.
Kosher salt: 2 teaspoons, essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Coarse ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, bringing a faint heat and earthiness to the dish.
Large potato: 1 peeled and diced, adding heartiness and creamy texture once cooked.
Carrots: 2 sliced, their natural sweetness brightens the soup’s flavor profile.
Corn: 1 cup, which bursts with sweetness to contrast the savory broth.
Peas: 1 cup, lending a pop of green and subtle sweetness.
Green beans: 1 cup chopped, for crispness and a fresh, vegetal note.
Vine tomatoes: 2 diced, to contribute acidity and juiciness that lifts the whole soup.
Chicken broth: 4 cups, the soulful liquid that ties all the ingredients together with rich, comforting depth.
V-8 juice: 2 cups, adding a tangy tomato and vegetable blend that boosts the complexity of the soup.

How to Make Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming the olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, celery, and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until the mixture becomes translucent and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds the flavorful foundation for your soup, unlocking the essential oils in the aromatics.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Broth

Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the diced potato, sliced carrots, corn, peas, green beans, and vine tomatoes to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth along with the V-8 juice. Sprinkle in the kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper. Stir everything together to combine the layers of flavor.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the vegetables to become tender, the flavors to meld beautifully, and the broth to develop a rich, comforting taste. Give your soup an occasional stir to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

How to Serve Vegetable Soup

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of thyme add an inviting brightness and aroma when sprinkled on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a grating of sharp Parmesan cheese can introduce creamy richness that balances the hearty vegetables.

Side Dishes

This Vegetable Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping into the flavorful broth. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the soup’s heartiness, offering a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Vegetable Soup in rustic bowls topped with toasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled feta for added texture and a delightful twist. Consider adding a swirl of pesto or chili oil to bring an unexpected burst of flavor and a gorgeous color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your leftover Vegetable Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach your preferred consistency without losing flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this Vegetable Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with a vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version that’s just as flavorful and comforting.

What can I use instead of V-8 juice?

If you don’t have V-8 juice, tomato juice or a blend of vegetable juice works perfectly fine, keeping that rich tomato-vegetable base intact.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to customize by adding zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. The soup is very versatile and welcomes any fresh vegetables you have on hand.

How long does Vegetable Soup take to cook?

From start to finish, including prep and simmering, you’re looking at about 40 minutes. Most of that time is gentle simmering, which requires minimal active effort.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Vegetable Soup is ideal for meal prepping because it keeps well, tastes better after resting, and reheats easily for quick, nourishing meals throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious meal that embraces wholesome ingredients and simple cooking, this Vegetable Soup is a must-try. It’s a wonderful recipe to return to again and again — comforting on cold days, nutritious anytime, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. Go ahead and make a big pot; your future self will thank you for it!