Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of homemade soup? I don’t think so! Especially when it’s chilly outside. And trust me, this easy homemade vegetable soup recipe is a lifesaver on those days. It’s super quick, you can throw in whatever veggies you’ve got, and BAM! Deliciousness.

Growing up, my grandma always had a pot of soup simmering on the stove. It was like her superpower! Whatever sniffles or bad days we had, her soup fixed it all. This recipe reminds me so much of her, but even easier (shhh, don’t tell her I said that!). The best part? It’s totally customizable. Use your favorite veggies, tweak the seasonings – make it YOUR perfect bowl of cozy. So, ditch the canned stuff and let’s get cooking this easy homemade vegetable soup recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

Quick and Easy

Seriously, who has hours to spend making soup? Not me! This recipe is ready in under an hour. Prep is a breeze, and the simmering does most of the work. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Packed with Nutrients

Think of this soup as a vitamin explosion in a bowl! Carrots, celery, green beans… it’s like a healthy rainbow. You’ll feel amazing after eating this, I promise.

Customizable

Okay, this is where the fun begins! Don’t have green beans? No problem, use zucchini. Hate peas? Leave ’em out! This easy homemade vegetable soup recipe is your blank canvas. Get creative!

Comforting and Flavorful

Imagine curling up on the couch with a warm bowl of this. The savory broth, the tender veggies… it’s pure bliss! Plus, it smells amazing while it’s cooking. Your house will feel so cozy.

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Ingredients for Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

Base Vegetables

Alright, here’s what you’ll need! First up, the foundation: 1 1/2 cups of chopped yellow onion (that’s about one medium onion), 2 cups of peeled and chopped carrots (around 5, depending on size), and 1 1/4 cups of chopped celery (about 3 stalks). Oh, and don’t forget the garlic – 4 cloves, minced. Trust me, these are the flavor building blocks for the best easy homemade vegetable soup recipe ever!

Broth and Tomatoes

Now for the liquid goodness! You’ll need 4 (14.5 oz) cans of low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you’re going the vegan route) and 2 (14.5 oz) cans of diced tomatoes. And this is important – don’t drain the tomatoes! You want all that juicy goodness in there.

Hearty Additions

These are the ingredients that make it a *meal*. We’re talking 3 cups of peeled and 1/2-inch thick diced potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes), 1/3 cup of chopped fresh parsley (the fresh stuff really makes a difference!), 2 bay leaves (don’t skip these!), and 1/2 tsp of dried thyme (or 1 Tbsp of fresh thyme leaves, if you’re feeling fancy). And of course, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning for this easy homemade vegetable soup recipe!

Finishing Vegetables

Almost there! To finish it off, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups of chopped frozen or fresh green beans, 1 1/4 cups of frozen or fresh corn, and 1 cup of frozen or fresh peas. I usually use frozen because it’s easy, but fresh is great when they’re in season. Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare This Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

Sauté the Aromatics

Okay, first things first! Grab your biggest pot and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering (careful, it splatters!), toss in that chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 4 minutes, until they start to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds longer. You don’t want the garlic to burn, trust me!

Add Broth and Seasonings

Now for the good stuff! Pour in those 4 cans of broth and both cans of diced tomatoes (undrained, remember!). Then, add the diced potatoes, chopped parsley, bay leaves, and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! This easy homemade vegetable soup recipe is all about making it your own.

Simmer the Soup

Time to let the flavors meld! Bring the soup to a boil, then add the green beans. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the potatoes are *almost* fully tender. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes. You want them soft, but not mushy!

Add the Finishing Vegetables

Almost there! Add the corn and peas to the pot and cook for just 5 minutes longer. These veggies don’t need much cooking, you just want to heat them through.

Serve Warm

And that’s it! Remove the bay leaves (don’t eat those!) and serve your delicious, easy homemade vegetable soup recipe warm. Enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

Vegetable Prep is Key

Okay, this might seem picky, but trust me: chop your veggies into roughly the same size. It makes a HUGE difference! That way, everything cooks evenly, and you don’t end up with some veggies that are mushy and others that are still crunchy. Nobody wants that!

Don’t Overcook the Vegetables

Speaking of crunchy… you don’t want to boil your soup into oblivion. Overcooked veggies are sad, mushy veggies. Aim for a *slight* bite. It’s way more satisfying, I promise!

Season Generously

Taste, taste, taste! Soup is all about layering flavors. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!

Use High-Quality Broth

The broth is the base of your soup, so don’t skimp! A good quality broth will make all the difference in the world. I love using homemade if I have it, but even a decent store-bought one works wonders for this easy homemade vegetable soup recipe.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

Broth Options

So, about that broth… if you’re going vegan or vegetarian, vegetable broth is the way to go! It’s still super flavorful. But if you’re not, chicken broth adds a nice richness. Either way, low-sodium is your friend. You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it away!

Vegetable Variations

Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Got some zucchini hanging around? Throw it in! Spinach or kale wilts in beautifully at the end. Really, any veggie you love will work. It’s *your* soup!

Herb Substitutions

Fresh herbs are amazing, but dried ones work too! Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe. So, if it calls for 1 Tbsp of fresh thyme, use 1 tsp of dried. Easy peasy!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

Bread and Crackers

Okay, soup and bread? A match made in heaven! I’m a sucker for crusty bread, perfect for dipping. Grilled cheese is also amazing alongside this soup. Or, you know, just some good ol’ crackers work too!

Salad

Want something a little lighter? A simple side salad is perfect. Nothing fancy, just some greens, a little vinaigrette… it balances out the heartiness of the soup perfectly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions for Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

Storage

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. Into the fridge it goes! It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, easy.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, you’ve got options! You can gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Or, if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just heat it in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! This soup freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight or pop it straight into a pot on the stove. Easy peasy!

Can I add meat to this soup?

You bet! If you’re craving a little extra protein, cooked chicken, sausage, or even ground beef are all fantastic additions. Just stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat them through. Yum!

How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

In the fridge, this soup will happily last for 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. It’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week!

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yep, you totally can! Just toss all the ingredients (except the finishing veggies – corn and peas) into your slow cooker, set it on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Then, add the corn and peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This easy homemade vegetable soup recipe practically makes itself!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

Okay, so here’s the lowdown on the nutrition. Each serving (about 1 cup) clocks in around 150 calories, 5g of fat, 5g of protein, and 20g of carbs. But remember, this is just an estimate! It can totally vary depending on the exact veggies you toss in.

Enjoy Your Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe!

Alright, that’s it! Go make some soup and let me know how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think!