Hearty Tomato Vegetable Soup a Garden in a Bowl
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever feel like you need a hug in a bowl? I get it! This hearty tomato vegetable soup recipe is exactly what you need.
It's like sunshine and good vibes all simmered together. Honestly, it's my go-to for a chilly day or when I just need something comforting.
Why This Soup Rocks
This homemade tomato vegetable soup is basically Italy's gift to the world. Seriously. It's peasant food at its finest. It's a doddle to make, only taking about an hour and five minutes, and feeds six hungry souls.
Plus, it's perfect for using up those leftover vegetable soup recipe ingredients hanging about in the fridge.
The Good Stuff
This garden vegetable soup recipe is packed with vitamins from all those lovely veggies. It's super nutritious and a fantastic way to get your five-a-day.
Serve it up on a cold, rainy night, or honestly, whenever you fancy a bit of comfort. What makes this best tomato soup recipe so special? It's adaptable! You can chuck in whatever veg you fancy and tweak the flavours to your heart's content.
Time to Get Veggie
Ready to get stuck in?
Let's talk ingredients. We're using 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 large chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks as a base.
We will also add 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 chopped red bell pepper and 1 chopped green bell pepper for more flavour.
And of course 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes and 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, as well as 4 cups vegetable broth.
Don't forget the herbs! 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1 teaspoon dried basil will do the trick. A little sugar, salt and pepper to taste of course.
Fresh spinach and parsley will be added for the final touch. And cooked pasta is optional.
It's a quick and easy soup recipe once you have everything prepped!
Ingredients & Equipment: The Heart of Our Soup
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. This Hearty Tomato Vegetable Soup is all about simple ingredients done well. It's a garden vegetable soup recipe begging to be made with whatever you've got knocking about.
It's a quick and easy soup recipe , promise!
Main Ingredients: Measuring Up
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) for a bit of richness.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup) yellow or white.
- Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and chopped (about 1 cup).
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped (about 1 cup).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't burn it!
- Bell peppers: 1 red and 1 green , chopped (about 1 cup each).
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) look for good quality, deep red colour.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (15 ounce) can, undrained (425g) use the juice too!
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups (1 litre) low sodium is best.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon – This tomato soup with basil and oregano is just perfect.
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon – just a pinch to balance the acidity of tomato vegetable soup recipe .
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Spinach: 1 cup , chopped (packed).
- Parsley: 1/2 cup , chopped.
- Optional: Cooked pasta: 1 cup (ditalini or small shells).
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Power Ups
Honestly, oregano and basil are the key here. They give that classic Italian vibe. The sugar is a game changer, trust me.
It balances the tomato vegetable soup recipe perfectly. You can easily swap dried herbs for fresh, just use about triple the amount.
A dash of red pepper flakes adds a lovely kick. This makes the homemade tomato vegetable soup more intresting. You can always add some fresh herbs for extra zest! It´s the best tomato soup recipe you can try
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You really only need:
- A large pot or Dutch oven.
- A cutting board and a chef's knife.
- A ladle.
No fancy gadgets required for this easy tomato soup recipe ! If you don't have a Dutch oven, a regular large pot will do just fine.
A wooden spoon for stirring is always handy, too. And you'll have the most amazing leftover vegetable soup recipe to enjoy the next day! This vegan tomato soup recipe is perfect.
Cooking Method: Building the Best Hearty Tomato Vegetable Soup Recipe
Let's talk soup, particularly a hearty vegetable soup recipe , the kind that warms you from the inside out. My grandma used to say, a good soup is like a hug in a bowl.
And honestly, she wasn't wrong. The secret? Layering those flavours! So, ditch the ready-made stuff. Let's dive into this easy tomato soup recipe and make something special.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place The Key to a Stress Free Soup
First things first, get your mise en place sorted. This fancy French term just means "everything in its place." Chop your 1 large onion into small pieces.
Peel and chop 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper . Mince 2 cloves of garlic .
Have your 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon sugar , salt, pepper and 1 cup chopped fresh spinach, 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ready to go.
This time saving organization will make the actual cooking a breeze.
step-by-step Process: From Veggies to Deliciousness
Here's how it all comes together:
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Add the minced garlic and bell peppers. Cook until fragrant, about 2- 3 minutes . Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes . The longer it simmers, the better the flavour! This is where the homemade tomato vegetable soup truly shines.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cooked pasta (if using). Cook until the spinach wilts, about 5 minutes .
- Finish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Tomato Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Roast Your Tomatoes: Seriously, roasting the tomatoes beforehand makes a huge difference! It intensifies their sweetness. Think caramelised, rich flavour.
- Good Broth Matters: Splurge on good quality vegetable broth, or even better, make your own. It's the backbone of your vegan tomato soup recipe .
- Avoid Overcooking: Don't overcook your vegetables, particularly the spinach. You want them tender but still with some texture.
This quick and easy soup recipe is so versatile! It's perfect for using up any leftover veggies. Just chuck them in! Enjoy this delicious garden vegetable soup recipe with some crusty bread.
It is one of the best tomato soup recipe you'll ever make! And hey, leftover vegetable soup recipe is even better the next day!
Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Soup
So, you're about to embark on making this hearty vegetable soup recipe ? Brilliant! Honestly, it's easier than fitting into last year's jeans after Christmas.
Here are a few extra pointers to make your best tomato soup recipe sing.
Ace-ing the Presentation
Presentation matters, right? For plating, a simple swirl of cream on top makes it look fancy. Some fresh basil? Oh my gosh, that's so perfect.
If you want something on the side, serve with some crusty bread. The perfect dunker for this easy tomato soup recipe .
A grilled cheese sandwich is also a winner!
Storing Your Liquid Gold
Got leftovers? Result. Simply pop your homemade tomato vegetable soup into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Freezing this garden vegetable soup recipe is possible. Just let it cool completely first. When reheating, a gentle simmer on the hob is best, or zap it in the microwave.
Just stir occasionally!
Mix It Up a Bit
Fancy a change? You can easily adapt this vegan tomato soup recipe . Swap out regular sugar for coconut sugar. To make it gluten-free, make sure you pick gluten-free pasta.
For a spicier vegetable soup with crushed tomatoes , add a pinch of chili flakes. Seasonally, you could swap the fresh spinach for kale in the winter months.
It's proper versatile.
Nutritional Nitty Gritty
Okay, let's keep it simple. Each serving packs around 180 calories . You'll get a good hit of vitamins and fiber too.
It's basically a big hug in a bowl. Plus, all those veggies are great for your gut and your immune system.
Winning! Also perfect for using your Leftover vegetable soup recipe for a healthy breakfast
Right then, get in the kitchen and get cooking. This quick and easy soup recipe is a belter, and I'm sure you will love it.
Enjoy! It's a proper good way to use up all those veggies and create something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this tomato vegetable soup recipe for later?
Absolutely! This tomato vegetable soup recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It's a lifesaver for busy weeknights, like a ready-made meal from M&S!
What other vegetables can I add to this tomato vegetable soup recipe?
The beauty of this tomato vegetable soup is its versatility! Feel free to raid your fridge and add any leftover veggies you have. Courgettes, green beans, peas, sweetcorn, potatoes, or even kale all work wonderfully.
Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; harder vegetables may need to be added earlier, and softer vegetables later.
My tomato vegetable soup is too acidic. What can I do?
A little acidity can be balanced out easily! The recipe already calls for a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, but you can add a pinch more to counteract the acidity of the tomatoes. Alternatively, a small swirl of cream or coconut milk at the end will also help to mellow the flavor.
If you are using canned tomatoes, make sure they are of good quality!
How can I make this tomato vegetable soup recipe even more flavorful?
For a deeper, richer flavour, try roasting the vegetables before adding them to the soup. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars and adds a wonderful depth of flavour. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as a bay leaf, thyme, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Think of it like jazz a basic structure with plenty of room for improvisation!
Is this tomato vegetable soup recipe healthy?
Absolutely! This soup is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from all the vegetables. It's low in fat and calories, making it a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. You can further boost its nutritional value by using low-sodium broth and adding extra greens like spinach or kale.
I don't have any vegetable broth! What can I substitute?
No worries, a good substitute for vegetable broth is chicken broth, giving you a slightly different, but still delicious flavour profile. You could also use water with a bouillon cube or stock pot, just be mindful of the salt content.
In a pinch, even just plain water with a splash of tomato paste and some extra herbs and spices will do the trick. Channel your inner Jamie Oliver and make it work!
Hearty Tomato Vegetable Soup A Garden In A Bowl
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 6g |