Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup

 Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or small shells) (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

 Instructions

 Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
• Add onion, carrots, and celery.
• Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

 Add Remaining Vegetables

• Add zucchini and green beans.
• Stir for 2–3 minutes.

 Build the Soup

• Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
• Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a gentle boil.

 Simmer

• Reduce heat to low.
• Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

 Add Beans & Pasta

• Stir in white beans, corn, and pasta (if using).
• Simmer another 10–12 minutes until the pasta is tender.

 Finish

• Add kale or spinach.
• Cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
• Stir in fresh parsley.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

 Serve

• Ladle into bowls.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or toasted garlic bread.

 Tips

• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra freshness.
• Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for more flavor.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months (without pasta for best texture).

Q & A

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
 Yes! Simply leave out the pasta or use gluten-free pasta.

Q: Can I add more protein?
 Absolutely! Add cooked chickpeas, lentils, or shredded chicken.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
 Yes. Frozen mixed vegetables work well and save prep time.

 Servings

6 servings

 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Protein: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 8 g