Description
A thick, comforting vegetable-packed soup made with seasonal winter produce, beans, and herbs simmered in a rich, savory broth. This hearty winter vegetable soup is warming, nourishing, and perfect for cold nights or healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 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
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup small pasta or barley
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to create a base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5–6 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika, cooking for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor of the base.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with the vegetable broth, stirring everything together.
- Add Root Vegetables and Green Beans: Add the diced potatoes, sweet potato or butternut squash, and chopped green beans to the pot.
- Simmer Vegetables: Bring the soup to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften thoroughly.
- Add Beans and Greens: Stir in the rinsed cannellini or kidney beans and the chopped cabbage or kale.
- Final Simmer: Let the soup simmer for another 10–15 minutes until all vegetables and greens are tender and flavors meld.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
- Add pasta or barley for extra heartiness.
- Use whatever winter vegetables you have on hand.
- Soup thickens as it cools — add broth when reheating.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / European
