Name: Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American / European
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup potatoes, diced; 1 cup sweet potato or butternut squash, diced; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup cabbage or kale, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste; ½ cup small pasta or barley; Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

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If you’re craving something both nourishing and soul-soothing, this Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with a colorful array of seasonal winter vegetables, tender beans, and aromatic herbs simmered in a richly flavored broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out. Every spoonful delivers a satisfying mix of textures and wholesome goodness, making it perfect for chilly evenings or a wholesome meal prep staple. Once you try this, your kitchen will smell amazing and your taste buds will be dancing with joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine white bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The top row has an onion with garlic bulbs beside it, a bowl of red kidney beans on the right, and a bowl of elbow macaroni in the middle. The second row contains a bowl of red bell peppers on the right, a bowl of green beans in the middle, and chopped celery on the left. The bottom row has a bowl of orange carrot cubes on the right, a bowl of dried herbs with a small wooden spoon in the middle, and a bowl with a light orange liquid on the left. A small bunch of fresh parsley is next to the celery bowl. The colors are bright and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one bringing depth and character. From the earthy sweetness of root vegetables to the fragrant herbal notes, every component contributes to a vibrant, hearty bowl that feels like a warm winter hug.

Olive oil: Creates a fragrant base delivering rich, silky flavor as you sauté the veggies.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to form the savory backbone of the soup.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a pop of bright color that livens up the dish.
Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and aromatic freshness for balance.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with its signature warm and robust flavor.
Dried thyme and rosemary: Classic winter herbs that add earthy, comforting notes.
Smoked paprika: A subtle smoky warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Tomato paste: Concentrates umami and tang, enriching the broth beautifully.
Diced tomatoes: Provide fresh acidity and a luscious texture.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
Potatoes and sweet potato/butternut squash: Hearty, starchy vegetables that add creaminess and sweetness.
Green beans: Light and crisp, they give texture contrast in every bite.
Cannellini or kidney beans: For protein and a velvety creaminess that rounds out the soup perfectly.
Cabbage or kale: Adds a nutritious, slightly bitter note that balances richness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
Optional add-ins: Small pasta or barley to amp up the heartiness, plus fresh herbs for garnish.

How to Make Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Let them cook gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until they become tender and release their natural sweetness. This step is essential because it builds a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Herbs

Next, add minced garlic along with dried thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Stir everything continuously for about 30 seconds. This quick sauté releases the fragrant oils and deepens the overall flavor complexity.

Step 3: Add Tomato Elements

Mix in the tomato paste and cook it for a minute to enhance its rich, slightly caramelized taste. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes followed by the vegetable broth. These ingredients create a luscious and hearty base that will simmer your vegetables to perfection.

Step 4: Simmer the Vegetables

Add diced potatoes, your choice of sweet potato or butternut squash, and chopped green beans into the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until the vegetables soften nicely. This process allows the flavors to meld and the textures to develop.

Step 5: Finish with Beans and Greens

Stir in the drained cannellini or kidney beans along with chopped cabbage or kale. Simmer the soup for another 10 to 15 minutes until all the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape. This final step adds extra body and heartiness.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finally, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and it’s ready to warm your soul.

How to Serve Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with vegetable soup sits on a white marbled surface. The soup has several layers: the bottom layer shows a clear yellow broth, with floating chunks of orange carrots, white potatoes, green spinach leaves, and pale green celery pieces. A large silver ladle rests inside the pot, partially submerged in the soup. To the right of the pot, a white plate holds a long piece of bread with a golden crust. A silver spoon also lies next to the white plate. The scene is softly lit, showing the fresh colors of the vegetables and the smooth texture of the broth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves adds a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of good quality olive oil on top can also elevate the flavor and texture of this already cozy bowl.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with crusty bread or a warm, buttery biscuit for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully to lighten the meal and complement the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls for an inviting, homey feel, or ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible serving vessel. Adding a swirl of coconut cream or a dollop of vegan yogurt can also enhance the presentation and mouthfeel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup Recipe keeps very well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve the vibrant flavors and tender textures.

Freezing

It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space as it will expand when frozen.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Because the soup thickens as it cools, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it back up for the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of the ones listed?

Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap in other winter veggies like parsnips, turnips, or Brussels sprouts depending on what you have available.

Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This soup is inherently vegan and dairy-free. For a gluten-free dish, simply omit or replace the optional pasta with gluten-free grains or extra beans.

How can I make the soup more filling?

Add small pasta shapes or barley, as suggested in the optional ingredients. These grains add extra chewiness and bulk, making the soup a complete and satisfying meal.

Can I prepare this soup in advance for a crowd?

Definitely. The flavors actually deepen when made ahead and reheated, making it an excellent choice for entertaining or meal prepping for the week.

What are some good toppings to enhance the soup?

Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy umami flavor all make great toppings that can personalize each serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of vegetable soup that feels both wholesome and indulgent at the same time. This Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup Recipe is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to, whether for a cozy night in or a nourishing weekday meal. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to welcome winter’s chill with open arms and a happy heart.