1. Can I make this Hearty Vegetable Soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can easily be made in advance. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Simply let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a bit of extra stock or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

2. Can I add protein to this Hearty Vegetable Soup?

Absolutely! You can add a variety of proteins to make this soup more filling. Try topping it with cooked chicken, turkey, ham, or even sautéed chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adding protein not only enhances the flavor but also makes the soup more satisfying as a complete meal.

3. Is this soup suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

While the potato in this recipe adds heartiness, it’s not suitable for strict keto diets due to its carbohydrate content. However, you can substitute the potato with cauliflower or butternut squash for a lower-carb version. These substitutions will still provide a filling and delicious soup with fewer carbs.

4. Can I make this Hearty Vegetable Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Simply add all the chopped vegetables, stock, and seasonings to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. After cooking, blend part of the soup if you prefer a smoother consistency.

Hearty Vegetable Soup: Healthy Comfort Food Recipe

Name: Hearty Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped finely; 2 cloves of garlic, crushed; 1 large leek, sliced finely; 2 sticks of celery, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 250g Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into small cubes; 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock; 2 bay leaves; 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme); Optional: a pinch of chili flakes; Salt and pepper to season; Fresh chopped parsley for garnish; Cooking oil spray (e.g., avocado oil spray)

Description

This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a delicious and filling meal packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, making it a perfect choice for cold days. It’s easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and provides a satisfying, comforting experience with each spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

1 onion, chopped finely
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 large leek, sliced finely
2 sticks of celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
250g Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into small cubes
1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Optional: a pinch of chili flakes
Salt and pepper to season
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Cooking oil spray (e.g., avocado oil spray)

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Instructions

Spray a large saucepan over medium heat with cooking oil and add the onions, garlic, and celery. Sauté for a couple of minutes to soften.
Add a little stock at a time and reduce to prevent burning/sticking. Continue cooking until softened.
Add the leeks and carrots to the saucepan, spraying again with oil. Sauté for a few more minutes until the leeks cook down.
Stir in the thyme, bay leaves, and chili flakes (if using).
Add the potatoes and the remaining stock. Bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the saucepan. Let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Use a hand blender or traditional blender to blend part of the soup to your preferred texture (smooth or chunky).
Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a smoother soup, blend all the vegetables. If you prefer a chunky texture, blend only half and leave the rest intact.
If you’re following a low-carb or SP day, substitute the potatoes with butternut squash for a similar taste.
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 117
Sugar: 8.1g
Sodium: 588mg
Fat: 0.3g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27.9g
Fiber: 5.1g
Protein: 3.4g
Cholesterol: 0mg