Hearty Garden Vegetable and Rice Soup a Proper Bowlful
Get Cosy with Garden Vegetable Rice Soup
Fancy a bowl of something warm and comforting? Ever crave something healthy, yet totally satisfying? This vegetable rice soup is just the ticket! It's like a big, warm hug on a chilly day.
Hearty Goodness in a Bowl
This vegetable rice soup is inspired by the kind of simple, comfort food soup your nan used to make. It's packed with garden veggies and fluffy rice.
We are talking about a hearty vegetable soup . Perfect for a light lunch or a cozy dinner. And honestly? It's brilliant for using up any leftover veggies lurking in the fridge, leftover vegetable soup sorted!
This easy rice soup recipe is a cracking way to get your veg in. It also keeps you warm on those nippy autumn evenings, making it the ideal winter warmer soup .
It's naturally vegetarian rice soup , and you can easily adapt it if you fancy a bit of meat a Chicken and rice soup variation is always a winner.
Plus, it's super budget friendly soup too! Who can say no to a delicious and affordable meal?
Quick, Simple, and Delicious
This recipe is dead easy. Seriously, even I can't mess it up, and that's saying something. It takes about 20 minutes to prep the vegetables.
The total cooking time is about 35 minutes, so you’ll have a steaming pot of soup ready in under an hour.
This recipe makes 6 generous servings. Alright, let's get cracking!
The beauty of this soup is that it's packed with goodness. All those lovely vegetables mean it's full of vitamins and fibre.
One serving of this soup boasts around 7g of protein and 5g of fibre. Plus, you can adapt it to your liking.
What makes this healthy soup recipe special is how customizable it is.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Soup On!
Alright, let's get cracking on this Hearty Garden Vegetable and Rice Soup ! This is proper comfort food, you know? Like a warm hug on a cold day.
It's also a healthy soup recipe and great for using up any leftover veggies. honestly, sometimes my best soup creations come from nearly empty fridge drawers!
Main Ingredients - The Good Stuff
Here's what you'll need to make this easy rice soup recipe sing:
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Go for a decent quality one, it makes a difference.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup). That's the base of all good soups, innit?
- Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and diced (about 1 cup). Adds a bit of sweetness.
- Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup). Don't skip this. It gives a lovely depth of flavour.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Can you ever really have too much garlic? I think not!
- Vegetable broth: 8 cups (approx. 1.9 Litres). Stock cubes are fine in a pinch, but proper broth is king.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained (411g). Adds a nice bit of acidity.
- Long grain white rice: 1 cup , uncooked (approx. 200g). Basmati works well too.
- Frozen peas: 1 cup . So easy and convenient.
- Frozen corn: 1 cup . Adds a little sweetness and texture.
- Fresh parsley: 1/2 cup , chopped, for garnish. Fresh herbs always elevate a dish.
Seasoning Notes - Flavour Town!
A good soup needs good seasoning. Don't be shy!
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon . A mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Essential.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste. Don't underestimate salt's power.
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste. Freshly ground is always best.
For a winter warmer soup , I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a variation, you could always swap out some chicken and rice soup !
Equipment Needed - Keep It Simple!
You really don't need fancy kit for this vegetarian rice soup.
- Large pot or Dutch oven. Something big enough to hold all that soup!
- Cutting board and knife. For chopping those veggies, obviously.
- Measuring cups and spoons. To get the quantities right.
If you don't have a proper Dutch oven, a large stockpot will do Alright. Now, let's get cooking.
Nailing That Hearty Garden Vegetable Rice Soup
Honestly, who doesn't love a good vegetable rice soup ? Especially when it's cold outside, it's like a warm hug.
My nan used to make it all the time, proper comfort food soup , and it always made everything better.
This recipe's my take on that classic. You know? Let's get cracking.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place is Key
First things first, essential mise en place . Chop your 1 medium yellow onion into small pieces. Dice 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks - about 1 cup each.
Mince those 2 garlic cloves . This bit takes about 20 minutes . Having everything ready before you start saves so much time.
Trust me on this. No one wants to be scrambling to chop carrots while the onions burn! Be careful with that knife, yeah? We don't need any A&E trips.
step-by-step: From Veg to Bowl of Goodness
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5- 7 minutes . Keep them moving until they're softened.
- Chuck in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing.
- Pour in 8 cups of vegetable broth and 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes . Season with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning , 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper .
- Bring it all to a boil. Then, turn the heat down to a simmer. Stir in 1 cup of uncooked long grain white rice . Cover the pot.
- Simmer for 20 minutes , or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 cup of frozen corn . Cook for another 5 minutes , until they're heated through.
- Take it off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley . Give it a taste and add more seasoning if you fancy. Serve hot and enjoy your garden Vegetarian Rice Soup .
Pro Tips for a Souper Soup
Want to take your vegetable rice soup from good to amazing ? Don't overcook the rice . Seriously. Mushy rice ruins everything. Also, use good quality broth. It makes a massive difference.
A sneaky trick? Before adding the rice, toast it in the pot with the veggies for a few minutes. This brings out a lovely nutty flavour and helps stop it from going gloopy.
If you want a creamier Leftover vegetable soup stir in a splash of cream at the end. You can also make it a Chicken and rice soup variation, if you like!.
Honestly, this soup is great for using up any leftover veg you've got lurking in the fridge. It’s also really budget friendly soup .
There you have it a simple, healthy soup recipe , winter warmer soup , and proper tasty hearty vegetable soup .
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for a Truly Cracking Vegetable Rice Soup
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs that'll make your vegetable rice soup absolutely spot on. This isn't just about following a recipe; it's about making it your vegetable rice soup .
Honestly, that's where the magic happens.
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look the Business
Plating matters! Ladle your hearty vegetable soup into bowls. Garnish with a swirl of cream (if you're feeling fancy) and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.
A hunk of crusty bread for dunking is a must . You could also offer a side salad for a balanced meal.
Think of it as a blank canvas, get creative!
Storage Tips: No Food Waste Here!
Got leftovers? Ace! This soup tastes even better the next day. Once cooled to room temperature, pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days .
For longer storage, freeze individual portions. Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave stir now and again to avoid hot spots.
Variations: A Little Something Different
Want to make it your own? Go for it! For a vegetarian rice soup adaptation, ensure you're using vegetable broth.
To make it gluten-free, double check your broth and seasonings! Want to add a seasonal touch? Use butternut squash in autumn or asparagus in spring.
Get creative with the garden vegetable soup and have fun.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
This easy rice soup recipe is packed with vitamins and fiber from all the veggies. It’s relatively low in fat and a good source of carbohydrates from the rice.
It's also a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables, so it’s budget friendly too! A real winter warmer soup ! Each serving has around 220 calories.
Honestly, this comfort food soup recipe is so adaptable. Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own signature version.
Whether you make it as a chicken and rice soup with some shredded chicken or keep it completely vegetarian, it will always come out perfectly.
Now go on, get cooking and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetable rice soup ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Absolutely! This soup is even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store leftover vegetable rice soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water or broth, as the rice tends to absorb the liquid as it sits, a bit like it's gone on a bender!
My vegetable rice soup is a bit bland. How can I boost the flavour?
Oh dear, that won't do! First, make sure you've seasoned generously with salt and pepper a little goes a long way. You could also add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
For a bit of a kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bay leaf while simmering just remember to remove the bay leaf before serving, wouldn't want anyone choking on it!
Is it possible to freeze this vegetable rice soup recipe?
Freezing is possible, but be aware that the rice might become a bit mushy upon thawing. To minimize this, undercook the rice slightly before adding it to the soup if you know you'll be freezing it. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Think of it as giving it a little spa day after being in the deep freeze!
I'm vegetarian. Can I substitute anything in this vegetable rice soup to make it vegan?
You bet your bottom dollar! The recipe is already vegetarian, but to make it vegan, simply ensure you're using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Otherwise, all the ingredients are naturally plant based.
You can even add some vegan sausage or tofu for extra protein it's like adding a bit of rock 'n' roll to a classical tune!
What other vegetables can I add to this vegetable rice soup?
The sky's the limit, really! Feel free to raid your fridge or garden for inspiration. Broccoli florets, zucchini, spinach, kale, green beans, or bell peppers would all be brilliant additions.
Add heartier vegetables like broccoli and green beans along with the rice, and more delicate greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking so they don't turn to mush. It's like giving your soup a bit of a makeover!
How can I prevent the rice from becoming mushy in my vegetable rice soup?
Mushy rice is a common soup woe! One trick is to toast the rice in the pot with the olive oil and aromatics for a few minutes before adding the broth this helps to develop flavour and create a barrier that prevents over absorption of liquid. Also, don't overcook the soup!
Simmer it gently, and check the rice for doneness after about 20 minutes. Adding the rice later in the cooking process can also help maintain its texture.
Hearty Garden Vegetable And Rice Soup A Proper B
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 5g |
