Here’s a simple and adaptable recipe that you can customize based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients: versatile veg soup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 cup green beans, chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 cup cooked pasta or rice
Instructions: versatile veg soup
Saute Vegetables:
– In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and garlic. Saute until softened and fragrant.
Add Base Vegetables:
– Add carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Tomatoes and Broth:
– Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Season:
– Add dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Simmer:
– Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add Greens:
– Stir in the shredded cabbage and chopped spinach or kale. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
Optional: Add Pasta or Rice:
– If you want a heartier soup, add cooked pasta or rice at this stage.
Adjust Consistency:
– If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Taste and Adjust:
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Serve:
– Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.