This nourishing vegetable soup isn’t just a meal – it’s a daily dose of vitality that can truly transform your health journey. Packed with an abundance of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, this hearty soup provides essential nutrients while being incredibly satisfying and comforting. The combination of fiber-rich vegetables, immune-boosting ingredients, and warming broth creates the perfect foundation for optimal health. Whether you’re looking to reset your eating habits, support weight management, or simply enjoy a delicious homemade meal, this soup delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 medium leek, white and light green parts sliced (about 1 cup / 150g)
- 3 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 cup / 120g)
- 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup / 150g)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, cubed (about 500g / 1.1 lbs)
- 1 medium head broccoli, cut into florets (about 300g / 10 oz)
- 30g (1 oz) thin noodles or small pasta
- 6-8 cups water (1.5-2 liters)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- Fresh dill, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
Base Preparation
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced leek, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add root vegetables: Incorporate the chopped celery and diced carrots into the pot. Stir the vegetables occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Include bell pepper: Add the chopped red bell pepper to the mixture and sauté for 3-5 minutes until it begins to soften. The pepper adds sweetness and vibrant color to the soup base.
- Garlic infusion: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic. Be careful not to let it brown, as this can create a bitter taste.
Building the Soup
- Add potatoes and liquid: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot along with enough water to cover all ingredients by about 2 inches (approximately 6-8 cups). The potatoes will provide substance and help thicken the broth naturally.
- Season and simmer: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart.
- Incorporate broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot and continue cooking over medium heat for another 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
Final Assembly
- Cook the noodles: Add the thin noodles to the soup and cook according to package directions, typically 3-5 minutes for thin varieties. The noodles will absorb some broth and add heartiness to the soup.
- Fresh herb finish: Remove from heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley and dill. These herbs add brightness and essential nutrients while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Time and Serving Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8 bowls
Serving Size: 1½ cups per portion
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 145
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin C: 85% DV
- Vitamin A: 110% DV
Why This Recipe is Life-Changing and Healthy
This vegetable soup truly lives up to its life-changing reputation through its exceptional nutritional profile and health-supporting properties. The diverse array of vegetables provides a complete spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that work synergistically to support every system in your body. The high fiber content from multiple vegetables promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports healthy weight management.
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables contain powerful compounds called glucosinolates that support liver detoxification and may help protect against chronic diseases. The combination of carrots and red peppers delivers exceptional amounts of beta-carotene and vitamin C, which are crucial for immune function and skin health.
The aromatic vegetables like onions, leeks, and garlic provide sulfur compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These ingredients work together to support cardiovascular health and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Eating this soup daily can help establish healthy eating patterns by providing satiety with relatively few calories, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. The warm, comforting nature of soup also promotes mindful eating and can help reduce cravings for less healthy options. The high water content supports hydration, while the variety of textures and flavors ensures you never get bored with healthy eating.
This soup serves as a perfect foundation for a plant-forward diet, making it easier to meet daily vegetable recommendations while enjoying every spoonful. The combination of nutrients, fiber, and satisfaction makes it a true wellness powerhouse that can genuinely transform your daily nutrition routine.