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Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe – Easy, Healthy & Comforting


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

Scale
(Serves 6)

Soup base:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed & cut
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes (you love low-sodium!)
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (you love low-sodium!)
  • 1½ cups chopped kale or spinach

Herbs & seasonings:

  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt & black pepper to taste (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)
  • Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes (you love spicy!)

Optional protein boost:

  • 1 (15 oz) can no-salt-added white beans or lentils (you love plant-based protein!)

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics:
Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5–6 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds more.
2. Simmer soup:
Add zucchini, green beans, tomatoes (with juice), broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes until veggies are tender.
3. Finish:
Stir in kale/spinach and optional beans; cook 3–5 minutes more until greens wilt and beans are heated through. Discard bay leaf.
4. Serve:
Ladle into bowls. Optional: Top with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan (use reduced-sodium).
💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
Use no-salt-added canned goods—gives you full sodium control.
Don’t overcook greens—add at the end for vibrant color and nutrients.
Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use low-sodium broth + no-salt-added tomatoes/beans
→ Boost umami with extra garlic, herbs, and a splash of lemon juice
Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally zero-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Net carbs: 12g per serving
Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Skip beans; double non-starchy veggies (zucchini, green beans, kale)
→ Net carbs drop to 7g/serving
Make ahead:
→ Keeps 5 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen
→ Flavors deepen overnight!

Storage & Serving Ideas
Fridge life: 5 days | Freezer: 3 months
Serving ideas:
→ With crusty bread or GF toast
→ As a light lunch with a side salad
→ For meal prep—portion into containers

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min
Calories: 140 | Protein: 5g | Net Carbs: 14g | Fats: 7g | Fiber: 5g | Gluten-Free • Vegan Option • Low-Sodium Adaptable • Blood Sugar Friendly • Low-Carb/Keto Option