Vibrant Spring Vegetable Medley Soup
Embrace the freshness of spring with this hearty Vegetable Medley Soup, brimming with an array of vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs. Perfectly balanced with the richness of olive oil and butter, this soup showcases the natural sweetness of new seasonal produce. With tender potatoes, crisp carrots, and a medley of garden-fresh veggies, every spoonful is a delightful harmony of flavors. Whether served as a nourishing lunch or a comforting dinner, this nourishing soup is ideal for warming up during chilly days or as a light meal any time of the year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
butter
2 tablespoons (none)
onion
1 medium (chopped small)
garlic cloves
3 large (chopped small)
canned crushed tomatoes
2 cups (with juice)
vegetable broth
4 cups (none)
Yukon gold potato
1 large (peeled and cubed 3/8 inch)
carrots
2 medium (scrubbed and sliced 1/8-inch thick)
cauliflower florets
1/2 cup (none)
celery ribs
2 large (chopped)
water
6 cups (none)
vegetable stock base
4 tablespoons (or chicken soup base)
sweet red pepper
1 small (seeded and diced)
frozen baby peas
1 cup (none)
dried dill weed
2 tablespoons (none)
seasoning salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan or cooking pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until melted and bubbling.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent and fragrant.
3
Stir in the chopped garlic and crushed tomatoes, cooking for an additional 6 to 8 minutes to meld the flavors.
4
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, followed by the cubed Yukon gold potatoes and sliced carrots. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Add the cauliflower florets, chopped celery, water, and vegetable stock base. Continue to simmer for 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.
6
Introduce the diced sweet red pepper, frozen baby peas, dried dill weed, seasoning salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
7
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as desired.
8
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if available, and enjoy its rich, comforting flavors.
9
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Spring Vegetable Medley Soup?
It is a hearty, nourishing soup featuring fresh spring vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a rich broth base.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and a vegetable stock base, this recipe is completely vegetarian.
How can I make this soup vegan?
To make this soup vegan, simply replace the 2 tablespoons of butter with additional extra virgin olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients total, ranging from fresh vegetables to oils and seasonings.
What kind of potatoes are best for this soup?
Yukon gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape during simmering.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onion should be chopped small and sautéed for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, the recipe allows for either vegetable or chicken broth and their respective soup bases depending on your preference.
What is the recommended thickness for the carrots?
The carrots should be scrubbed and sliced into rounds approximately 1/8-inch thick.
When do I add the garlic to the pot?
Garlic should be added after the onions have finished sautéing, along with the crushed tomatoes.
What type of tomatoes does the recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of canned crushed tomatoes with their juice.
Are the peas fresh or frozen?
The recipe uses 1 cup of frozen baby peas, which are added near the end of the cooking process.
What is the purpose of the vegetable stock base?
The stock base provides a concentrated depth of flavor that complements the liquid broth and water.
Can I omit the butter?
Yes, you can omit the butter and use only olive oil if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free version.
What is the primary herb used for seasoning?
The main herb used is dried dill weed, which provides a fresh, spring-like aroma.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can this soup be frozen?
While not explicitly mentioned, this vegetable-based soup can typically be frozen, though the texture of potatoes and cauliflower may change slightly.
What size should the potato cubes be?
The Yukon gold potatoes should be peeled and cubed into 3/8-inch pieces.
How long does the cauliflower need to cook?
The cauliflower florets should be simmered for about 8 minutes or until just tender.
When is the sweet red pepper added?
The diced sweet red pepper is added in the final 3 minutes of cooking along with the peas and seasonings.
Is this soup spicy?
No, the soup is savory rather than spicy, using seasoning salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
How much dill weed is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dried dill weed.
What is a good garnish for this soup?
Fresh herbs are recommended as a garnish to enhance the vibrant spring flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features a high variety of vegetables and clean ingredients.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
You should taste the soup after the final simmer and add more seasoning salt or black pepper as desired.
Can I add other vegetables like spinach?
Yes, you can easily customize the soup by adding leafy greens like spinach at the very end of the cooking process.
What oil is used for the base?
The recipe uses extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and healthy fats.
Why are the tomatoes cooked for 6 to 8 minutes?
Cooking the tomatoes and garlic together before adding the broth helps to meld the flavors together effectively.
How much water is added to the soup?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of water in addition to the 4 cups of broth.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves straightforward sautéing and simmering steps.
What can I serve with this soup?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a light side salad, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.