This Healthy Vegetable Soup has become a go-to comfort dish for anyone looking to soothe digestion, boost immunity, or simply enjoy a nutrient-packed bowl of goodness. Loaded with colorful vegetables, aromatic herbs, and homemade croutons for crunch—it’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for eating day and night.
A true healing hug in a bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🌱 Nutrient-Rich: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and gut-friendly ingredients.
- 🍲 Digestive Soother: Gentle on the stomach while still full of flavor.
- 🧄 Aromatic & Healing: Garlic, thyme, and chili add warmth and digestive benefits.
- 🥖 Crunchy Croutons: Homemade seasoned bread bites add texture and extra love.
- 🕒 Easy One-Pot Meal: Minimal effort, maximum nourishment—ready in under an hour.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
For the Soup:
- 1 medium onion , chopped
- 2 leeks , chopped and rinsed well
- 2 stalks celery , chopped
- 1 medium carrot , diced
- 1 red bell pepper , diced
- 1 medium zucchini , diced
- 2 potatoes , peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 small chili pepper , minced (optional, for heat lovers)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 liter (about 4 cups) vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley , chopped (for garnish)
For the Croutons:
- 3 slices of whole grain or sourdough bread
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Dried garlic powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- A pinch of oregano
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onion , leeks , celery , and garlic . Sauté for 5 minutes , stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Stir in the carrot , red pepper , zucchini , potatoes , and chili pepper (if using).
Season with salt , black pepper , and a pinch of thyme .
Cook for another 5 minutes , allowing everything to soften slightly before adding liquid.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
Pour in the vegetable broth , making sure all the vegetables are submerged.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes , or until all vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Make the Homemade Croutons
While the soup simmers, prepare your croutons:
- Cut the bread into cubes.
- Toss with olive oil , salt , garlic powder , oregano , and a pinch of red pepper flakes .
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes , or until golden and crispy. Set aside for topping.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the warm soup into bowls.
Top generously with fresh parsley and a handful of homemade croutons .
Serve hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Tips for Success:
- 🥦 Make It CreamY: Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for a heartier texture.
- 🥣 Meal Prep Friendly: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for future meals.
- 🧀 Optional Boost: Stir in a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- 🌾 Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread for croutons or skip them entirely.
- 🥗 Customize: Swap any vegetable based on what’s in season—kale, green beans, or cabbage work well too.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy as a light lunch or dinner on its own or with a side salad.
- Perfect alongside grilled cheese, sandwiches, or crusty bread.
- Ideal for cleansing days, cold nights, or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
(Without croutons)
- Calories: ~80 kcal
- Protein: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Fat: ~2g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~4g
(With croutons – per serving)
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~5g
- Fiber: ~3.5g
- Sugar: ~4g
Final Thoughts:
This Hearty Vegetable Soup truly feels like medicine for your body—cleansing, soothing, and full of life-giving nutrients. Whether you’re recovering from a long day, supporting digestion, or just craving something warm and wholesome—you’ll find comfort in every bite.
So make a big pot today and let this soup do its magic!
