In today’s world, finding moments of calmness and nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods is more vital than ever. I am currently in the process of transitioning to a more plant based diet. One dish that I found to be not only delicious and flavorful, but very nutritious is homemade vegetable soup. As a wellness content creator that is passionate about the transformative power of food, I want to emphasize the importance of mindful eating. Making your own meals and crafting recipes signifies an act of self care and an investment in overall well-being. Cooking should be an enjoyable experience and a little therapeutic. The benefits of a steaming bowl of homemade vegetable soup are amazing. It is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that keeps your body health and weight managed. There is an undeniable sense of fulfillment in knowing every ingredient in your meals.
Why Is Homemade Vegetable Soup Good For You?
There are so many reasons why vegetable soup is good for you. Below I have included my top 3 reasons.
Packed with nutrients
Vegetable soup gives you a boost of goodness in every spoonful. It is a mixture of colorful veggies- green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes- all in a bowl that is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vegetable soup provides vitamin C and calcium as well as fiber and and zinc. It’s a feel good choice for your body and soul.
Cost-effective and Sustainable
Homemade vegetable soup is not just good eats, it’s also budget friendly and sustainable. I used simple ingredients such as carrots, onions, peas, and greens beans. I spent less than $20 at Kroger for all ingredients and I made a big pot. You can use leftovers or foods that are already in your pantry. This recipe allows you to make the most out of your groceries. So, not only does it save money, but it also aligns with sustainable lifestyle.
Essential Ingredients
This recipe is full of essential ingredients we need to be healthy. Carrots bring a sweet crunch and the onions provide a savory flavor. Heart veggies like green beans, celery, and tomatoes form the foundation of the soup while the herbs and the garlic add a warm flavor giving it a powerful nutrient boost. It’s more than soup; it’s a bowl of goodness.
Step-by-step Recipe
Now that I’ve unraveled the goodness of vegetable soup, it’s time to get in the kitchen and make some magic. With simple and accessible ingredients, I’m about to give you a recipe that is flavorful and packed with great ingredients. Grab your apron and let’s start cooking!
Key Ingredients
- 1 Cup of Frozen Peas
- 3 Stalks of Celery
- 2 cups of Frozen Green Beans
- 3 Carrots
- 1 Yellow onion
- Minced Garlic
- 2 Yukon Potatoes
- 1 Sweet potato
- I can of Fire Roasted Tomatoes
- 3 cups of Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
- 3/4 tsp of sea salt
- 2 tsp of Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp of Paprika
- 3/4 tsp of Black Pepper
- *I decided to add 1 Cup of of corn at the end
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Add in the chopped celery and onions. Sauté until the veggies are transparent. About 2 minutes.
Next, add in the carrots, sweet potatoes, and Yukon potatoes. Cook for about 3-5 minutes.
Pour 3 cups of Vegetable broth into the pot. Then add in the green beans.
Next, add in the fire roasted tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, black pepper, and sea salt.
Stir all of the ingredients together and let it come to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Add in the peas and corn and let cook for 10 more minutes.
You can cook your favorite r ice and put the soup right on top of the rice. Or you can make some delicious cornbread and add it to your soup. Either way, I’m sure the meal will be amazing!
Customize Your Vegetable Soup
Unleash your creativity in the kitchen. Customizing a meal is the secret sauce to transforming a simple recipe into a meal the entire family will love. Experiment with various herbs and spices to add flavor. Toss in some grains or spinach for heartiness or add some beans for protein. The possibilities are endless.
Storage and Meal Prep
Whipping up a large pot of soup allows you to reap the benefits over multiple meals. You can batch cook and freeze portions of your soup to save for a quick meal on a busy day. I have read of people putting the soup in ice trays and then placing them in bags to save for another day. I would consider using airtight containers to preserve freshness and flavor.
Conclusion
As I wrap up this blog post, Its evident that making vegetable soup extends beyond cooking and isn’t just about putting ingredients into the pot. It’s meal that is not only good for your mind, but your body and soul as well. I’ve covered the basics from veggies packing a nutritious punch to the soup being wallet-friendly and good for the soul. Think of soup like a canvas; customize it to your vibe. After you make this soup, think of it being more than just a meal. It’s a self care moment and a nod to well-being. Healthy cooking is a mindful thing that connects us to what truly fuels us. Put your heart into each ingredient, enjoy the cooking vibe, and soak up the goodness. Happy eating!
