From farm to bowl: master the art of vegetable soup with our step-by-step blueprint

Vegetable soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. But if you’ve never made vegetable soup before, the process can seem a bit daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you make delicious vegetable soup in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup chopped green beans
• 1 cup chopped potatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 2: Add the Liquid

Add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Add the peas, green beans, potatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or crackers. Enjoy!

Variations

• Add different vegetables: Feel free to add any other vegetables you like to your soup, such as zucchini, squash, or corn.
• Use different herbs: If you don’t have oregano or basil on hand, you can use other herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.
• Add protein: If you want to make your soup more filling, you can add cooked chicken, beef, or tofu.
• Make it creamy: If you like creamy soup, you can add a cup of milk or cream to the soup.
• Garnish with cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top of your soup before serving.

Tips for Making the Best Vegetable Soup

• Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still have a bit of a bite to them.
• Season the soup to taste; you may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preferences.
• Let the soup simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
• Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or crackers.

The Joy of Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and it’s also a comforting and satisfying meal. So next time you’re looking for a healthy and hearty meal, give vegetable soup a try. You won’t be disappointed!

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in my soup?
A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in your soup. Just be sure to add them to the soup frozen, and increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

Q: How can I make my soup thicker?
A: You can thicken your soup by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water. To make a slurry, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir the slurry into the soup and cook until the soup has thickened.

Q: How can I make my soup more flavorful?
A: There are several ways to make your soup more flavorful. You can add more vegetables, herbs, or spices. You can also use a different type of vegetable broth, such as chicken broth or beef broth.