Garden Vegetable Soup (2024)

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by Donya Mullins 8 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.

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Bring freshness to your table with this delicious homemade Garden Vegetable Soup. It’s easy to make, low in fat and calories, and features flavors that can be enjoyed during any season.

Make this a comfort food meal by pairing this soup with a Chopped Salad and adding Garlic Parmesan Skillet Rolls for dipping.

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Garden Vegetable Soup: Feel Good Comfort Food

Who says healthy meals have to taste bland, let alone be hard to make? I don’t, and it’s one reason why I love this vegetable soup recipe.

This soup is similar to Roasted Cabbage Soup since it starts with a flavorful broth, that’s light and delicious. Then, the earthy notes of the veggies combined with the herbs add the perfect finishing touch. And don’t forget the seasonings because they definitely matter.

Ingredients For Easy Vegetable Soup

Garden Vegetable Soup (3)
  • Carrots, Onion, Green Beans, Green Cabbage
  • Garlic Cloves – minced. You can purchase minced garlic in the produce section of the grocery store to save a little time.
  • Broth – vegetable, chicken or beef, whichever you like best.
  • Tomato Paste
  • Dried Oregano and Dried Basil
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Salt and Black Pepper – for additional spice, you can substitute red pepper flakes.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and measurements.

Customizing This Recipe

  • Veggies: seasonal veggies, like zucchini, peas, celery, potatoes, broccoli, and red bell peppers, are wonderful in this soup.
  • Herbs: for extra flavor, add rosemary, bay leaf, or thyme. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
  • Proteins: leftover chicken, steak, or pork are great add-ins.

What Type of Broth To Use

You can use whichever broth you prefer; however, each one does have its own flavor profile. Beef broth is known to have a stronger, richer flavor which can give more depth when added to soups and stews. Chicken broth is your go-to when you want a milder, lighter flavor that won’t overpower other ingredients.

And, of course, you can’t go wrong with using Vegetable broth as it has similar flavors to the ingredients you’re already putting in the soup. It’s also a healthier alternative, especially when you want to make a dish vegetarian or vegan.

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How To Make Homemade Vegetable Soup

  1. In a large pot, sauté the carrots, onion, and garlic on medium-low until softened.
  2. Add the broth along with cabbage, beans, tomato paste, basil, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper and stir to combine.
  3. Bring the soup to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, covered with a lid, for about 20 minutes.
  4. Remove the lid and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Serve hot with fresh parsley, and hot sauce if you want.
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People Often Ask…

Should I drain canned green beans?

You don’t have to but I like to drain green beans and give them a rinse. This will help enhance the flavor and texture of the green beans once they are cooked.

Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs in soup?

I suggest using dried herbs for soups and stews for two reasons. One, they blend better with the other ingredients. Two, they tend to have a more potent flavor. Fresh herbs are great for dishes like Dill Pickle Herb Dip.

How do I store leftovers?

You can store vegetable soup in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well. Store the chilled soup in a zip-lock bag or a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What To Serve With Garden Veggie Soup

Whether I serve it for lunch or dinner, this soup is terrific just on its own. But, it’s always fun to add a few special touches, like a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a dash of hot sauce.

I love serving veggie soup with Mediterranean Pasta Salad, or Southern Ham Salad. And there’s nothing like warm Cornbread Muffins or Zucchini Cheese Bread for dipping in that flavorful broth.

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More Soup Recipes You’ll Love

  • Crock Pot Ham And White Bean Soup
  • Healthy Mushroom Soup
  • Crock Pot Potato Soup

If you tried thisGarden Vegetable Soup Recipeor any other recipe, please leave a 🌟star ratingand let me know how it went in thecommentsbelow. Thanks!

Garden Vegetable Soup (7)

5 from 9 votes

Garden Vegetable Soup

Author: Donya Mullins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 23kcal

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Bring freshness to your dinner table with this delicious homemade Garden Vegetable Soup. It’s easy to make, low in fat and calories and features flavors that can be enjoyed during any season.

Ingredients

  • cup sliced carrots
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 2 garlic cloves – minced
  • 3 cups broth – vegetable, chicken or beef, whichever you like best
  • 1 ½ cups chopped green cabbage
  • ½ cup green beans
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano
  • 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan, with 1 tablespoon of canola oil, sauté carrots, onion and garlic on medium low until softened.

  • Add the broth along with cabbage, beans, tomato paste, basil, oregano, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper then stir.

  • Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, covered with lid for about 20 minutes. Taste for seasoning – adding more salt and pepper if needed.

  • Serve hot with warm bread.

Notes

  • Can be stored in refrigerator for about 5 days.
  • Vegetable substitutes – zucchini, leeks, turnips, cauliflower.You can use frozen carrots and green beans – they are just as healthy as fresh, especially in the winter.
  • Reheat in a glass container for lunch or snack.
  • I always double this recipe so I have plenty on hand.

Nutritional values provided are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 23kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 543mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2093IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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Did you make my Garden Vegetable Soup?I’d love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @asouthernsoul, and use the hashtag #asouthernsoul!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment

  1. Garden Vegetable Soup (10)paula

    Haven’t made any of these yet but holiday ready. Delicious looking and ingredients that are usually in pantry. These are the best receipes I have yet to come across. Thanks Much!!

    Reply

    • Garden Vegetable Soup (11)Donya Mullins

      Thank you!
      ~Donya

      Reply

  2. Garden Vegetable Soup (12)Andrea M Johnson

    Garden Vegetable Soup (13)
    This is really good. I’ve been making it for years but slightly different for WW.

    Reply

  3. Garden Vegetable Soup (14)Chrissy

    Garden Vegetable Soup (15)
    Thanks for this simple and tasty recipe.

    Reply

    • Garden Vegetable Soup (16)Donya Mullins

      You are so welcome!
      ~Donya

      Reply

  4. Garden Vegetable Soup (17)Mary Jane Vinton

    Garden Vegetable Soup (18)
    Very healthy and very good! First time I have made vegetable soup without meat. The broth was much quicker. It was a refreshing change!

    Reply

    • Garden Vegetable Soup (19)Donya Mullins

      Thank you so much, Mary Jane!
      ~Donya

      Reply

  5. Garden Vegetable Soup (20)michaelswoodcraft

    Your soup looks delicious! There is nothing better than a really good Vegetable Soup on a cold day!! 🙂

    I enjoyed visiting and browsing your site, check out my recent post on making Crème Brûlée !

    Reply

Garden Vegetable Soup (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to my vegetable soup to give it more flavor? ›

How to Make the Best Vegetable Soup
  1. 1) Start with the veggies. ...
  2. 2) Add fresh minced garlic, curry powder, and dried thyme. ...
  3. 3) Add canned diced tomatoes with their juices. ...
  4. 4) Almost done—add some vegetable broth, water, and more flavorings. ...
  5. 5) Add chopped fresh greens and finally, some fresh lemon juice.

How do you get the depth of flavor in vegetable soup? ›

Dried herbs and seasonings: homemade seasoned salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and dried bay leaves lend flavor to the soup.

What is the secret ingredient in soup? ›

It may sound a bit strange and unusual for some, but vinegar is a common ingredient in some soup recipes, and there is a good reason for it. If you think about it, vinegar is really a flavor-enhancer (umami). That's why it is so often used in cooking, sauces, and salad dressings. The same is true with soups.

Is garden vegetable soup good for you? ›

It can be customized to the veggies you have on hand and what is in season. The vegetables are both nutrient-dense and high in fiber but low in calories so it is great if you are watching your calories. The seasonings, fire-roasted diced tomatoes and richly flavored broth give the soup tons of delicious homemade taste.

How to fix a bland vegetable soup? ›

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.

How can I deepen my soup flavor? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

What is the flavorful liquid that adds more flavor to a vegetable meal? ›

Soy sauce or liquid aminos

These dark brown liquids bring both saline punch and some welcome caramelized flavor to dishes, along with a good boost of umami.

What thickens vegetable soup? ›

Mash beans, lentils, rice, or bread.

Rice, lentils, and beans release a lot of starch and naturally thicken soups simply from simmering, but you can also mash half the cooked rice/lentils/beans before adding to the soup for a simple way to thicken your dish.

What to add to soup when it's missing something? ›

Have you ever tasted your soup right as it's about to be served and it just tastes like it's missing something? Try ladling out a little bit and adding some salt, acid, or sugar. Salt can be plain kosher salt, or even parmesan rind if you have it on hand.

What does adding vinegar to soup do? ›

As well as adding flavor, vinegar can preserve food, improve the appearance of a dish, and even fill in for missing ingredients. For example, if you've run out of fresh lemon or lime, you can always use ½ teaspoon of vinegar in place of a teaspoon of citrus juice for that flavorsome tang!

What makes homemade soup taste better? ›

Go Bold. A punch of flavor at the end of cooking can make your soup a standout. Mix herbs like parsley, thyme, and oregano, or spices such as cumin, coriander, and cardamom, into some olive oil, and let it infuse for at least an hour or two. Pour it over soup just before serving.

Is it OK to eat vegetable soup everyday? ›

For those wanting a more intense regime, a vegetable soup can replace two meals a day for five to seven days without any negative side effects. Although much of the weight loss will be fluid, sometimes all we need to feel leaner and healthier is a flatter stomach and a kilo or two less on the scales.

Is progresso garden vegetable soup healthy? ›

While Progresso soups can provide a convenient and quick meal , they are often high in sodium and lack essential nutrients found in a balanced diet . Additionally , relying solely on one type of food can lead to boredom and potential nutrient deficiencies .

What is in progresso garden vegetable soup? ›

Product Description. Enjoy the essence of delicious vegetables in your bowl with Progresso Vegetable Classics Garden Vegetable Soup. Made with green beans, kidney beans, corn and tomatoes, this canned soup contains one-half cup of vegetables per serving and no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources.

What should be added to enrich the flavor of the soup? ›

Here are 10 ideas:
  1. Add Fresh Herbs. Take a page from My New Roots author Sarah Britton and turn to herbs whenever you need a simple way to perk up a pot of soup. ...
  2. Add Greens. ...
  3. Add Toasted Nuts. ...
  4. Add Croutons. ...
  5. Add Poached Eggs. ...
  6. Or Something Fishy. ...
  7. Drizzle With Flavored Oil. ...
  8. Or Flavored Cream.
Nov 9, 2016

How to spice up a can of vegetable soup? ›

But to put some pep back in your soup's step, you're going to want to add more. Start by sautéing any combination of finely chopped vegetables and alliums—like onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and ginger. Whatever you choose is going to infuse the entire can of soup you're about to heat.

What can boost the flavor of meat and vegetables in soup? ›

You can extract a clean, strong broth from a combination of water and several pantry ingredients. It's all about layering powerful flavor-enhancers that you probably already have on hand—bacon, tomato paste, herbs, peppercorns, a Parmesan rind, and, of course, kosher salt.

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