Classic Vegetarian Winter Soup
A hearty and nutritious vegetarian soup filled with seasonal vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, perfect for warming up during the chilly winter months.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 piece onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 pieces carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 piece potato, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings
- fresh parsley For garnish
- grated Parmesan cheese For non-vegans
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Incorporate the chopped carrots, celery, and potato. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Add the chickpeas, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the greens are wilted and tender.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese if desired. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of vegetarian soup!
Notes
Feel free to customize with grains like brown rice, quinoa, or barley for added texture, and consider spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor. This soup freezes well for easy meal prep.