Healthy and Quick Vegetable Soup Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Here's a simple and healthy vegetable soup recipe for you. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 yellow squash, diced

• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (low sodium)

• 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale

• 1 cup green beans, chopped

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• Optional: 1 cup small pasta or quinoa

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Instructions:

1. Prepare Vegetables:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add Zucchini, Yellow Squash, and Bell Pepper:

• Stir in the zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.

3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:

• Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Seasoning:

• Add dried thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

5. Simmer:

• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Add Greens and Remaining Vegetables:

• Stir in the chopped spinach or kale, green beans, and corn. If you're using pasta or quinoa, add it at this point. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the pasta or quinoa is cooked, and the vegetables are tender.

7. Check Seasoning:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may need to add more salt and pepper.

8. Serve:

• Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

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This vegetable soup is not only nutritious but also versatile. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your healthy homemade vegetable soup!