Vegetable Soup (Classic Homemade)

🧾 Overview

A warm, nourishing soup made with mixed vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a healthy meal, weight-loss friendly, or cold-weather comfort food.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

🥕 Vegetables (base mix)

• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 potatoes (cubed)
• 1 cup green beans (chopped)
• 1 cup cabbage or spinach (optional)
• 1 cup peas or corn

🥣 Liquid Base

• 5 cups vegetable stock or water
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter

🌿 Seasoning

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano or mixed herbs
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté the Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot
2. Add onion and cook until soft
3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds

2. Add Vegetables

• Add carrots, potatoes, green beans
• Stir for 2–3 minutes to lightly coat in oil

3. Add Liquid

1. Pour in vegetable stock or water
2. Add salt, pepper, herbs, and bay leaf
3. Bring to a boil

4. Simmer

• Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes
• Add peas, corn, and leafy greens in the last 5–7 minutes
• Cook until all vegetables are tender

5. Final Adjustments

• Taste and adjust seasoning
• Remove bay leaf
• Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness (optional)

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve hot with crusty bread
• Add grated cheese on top for richness
• Pair with grilled sandwiches for a full meal

💡 Tips

• Cut vegetables evenly so they cook at the same time
• For thicker soup, mash a few potatoes in the pot
• For lighter soup, add more broth
• You can use frozen vegetables for convenience

🔄 Variations

• 🥣 Creamy version: blend half the soup and add cream
• 🌶 Spicy version: add chili flakes or hot sauce
• 🍗 Protein boost: add shredded chicken or lentils
• 🍋 Detox version: add extra lemon and spinach