Vegetable Soup That Tastes Like It Simmered All Day

Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by Souhail

There is something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of vegetable soup, and today I’m sharing my go to version that has kept me warm on countless chilly New York evenings. I still remember the first time I tried to recreate my mom’s vegetable soup in my tiny Manhattan apartment; the keyphrase vegetable soup popped up in my mind as I chopped carrots on too-small countertops, trying to bring that same cozy, nourishing energy into my adult life. This recipe fits right into busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or those nights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and a little nostalgic without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a broth that feels like a hug, this soup is the definition of simple done right.

Why This Cozy Vegetable Soup Works So Well

When I think about the kind of vegetable soup that warms you from the inside out, it always comes back to this version. It’s simple, yes, but not basic. The flavors layer together in the coziest way, and every ingredient plays a role. Let me break down why it works so beautifully in real life, whether you’re cooking after a long workday or stirring a pot while chatting with friends in the kitchen.

• A deeply flavored broth without hours of simmering: A clever mix of aromatics, herbs, and tomato brings so much depth.
• Flexible enough for any season: Swap in winter root vegetables, summer zucchini, or whatever looks best at the market.
• Light but incredibly satisfying: Thanks to fiber-rich veggies that make the soup hearty without feeling heavy.
• Perfect for meal prep: It reheats wonderfully and makes a big batch.
• Easily customizable: Gluten free, vegan, or protein boosted, you can adapt this soup any way you like.

If you love cozy dishes like this, you might also enjoy exploring something equally comforting on cooler days, like this delicious onion soup recipe that pairs beautifully with crusty bread.

How To Make It

Vegetable Soup

Recipe by Souhail

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DinnerCuisine: American, Other world cuisineDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

165

kcal

A cozy, flavorful vegetable soup that brings together fresh veggies, aromatic herbs, and a comforting broth.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 2 potatoes, diced

• 1 cup green beans, chopped

• 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz

• 6 cups vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 bay leaf

• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions

• Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and give it a moment to warm up so it’s shimmering and ready for the vegetables.
• Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, stirring them gently as they soften and begin releasing their natural sweetness.
• Add the garlic and let it cook just long enough to become fragrant without browning.
• Add the zucchini, potatoes, and green beans, stirring everything together so the vegetables start to mingle their flavors.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes and the vegetable broth, letting the mixture come together into a colorful, fragrant base.
• Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and smoked paprika, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Bring the pot to a gentle boil and then lower the heat to a steady simmer so the flavors can slowly blend and the vegetables become tender.
• Let the soup simmer until the vegetables are soft and the broth tastes rich and full.
• Stir in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the soup and add a boost of color and nutrients.
• Finish by tasting and adjusting the seasoning, then add the chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh, bright finish.

Notes

• Add a Parmesan rind for richer flavor.
• Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if desired.
• For extra protein, add a can of white beans.
• Stir in cooked pasta for a heartier meal.
• Add lemon juice at the end for brightness.

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 6
• Calories: 165kcal
• Fat: 4.5g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 4g

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Pro Tips to Make Your Vegetable Soup Shine

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that guarantee flavor-packed vegetable soup every time. Here’s what I always keep in mind:

• Sauté the veggies long enough: This step unlocks sweetness and adds a deeper flavor to the broth.
• Cut vegetables uniformly: They cook evenly and create a better spoonful.
• Season at multiple stages: Add salt when sautéing, then again while simmering, and adjust at the end.
• Use fresh herbs plus dried ones: Dried herbs build the base, fresh herbs brighten at the end.
• Don’t rush the simmer: Even 20 to 25 minutes makes a major difference in melding the flavors.

And if you’re the type who loves experimenting with comforting bowls, you might enjoy trying a hearty lasagna soup recipe on another night.

Variants of the Recipe

Vegetable soup is one of the most forgiving dishes in the world. Once you understand the rhythm of sauté, simmer, and season, you can turn it into whatever you want. Here are some of my favorite variations:

Creamy Vegetable Soup
Blend half the soup at the end and mix it back in. It gives a thick, velvety texture without adding cream, though a splash of cream or coconut milk makes it extra luxurious.

Protein Boosted Vegetable Soup
Add cooked chickpeas, white beans, or lentils. They add heartiness and extra nutrition. If beans are your thing, you’ll probably enjoy this cozy spinach soup recipe too.

Italian Style Vegetable Soup
Add a Parmesan rind to the simmering pot and stir in a handful of small pasta like ditalini. The Parmesan melts gradually into the broth, adding richness.

Autumn Harvest Vegetable Soup
Perfect for cozy fall days. Swap some of the potatoes for butternut squash or pumpkin. If you’re in an autumn cooking mood, check out this filling pumpkin ravioli recipe for a seasonal dinner.

Spicy Vegetable Soup
Just a pinch of chili flakes or a spoonful of harissa transforms the broth into something bright and warming.

Green Goodness Soup
Stir in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last minutes of cooking to make the soup vibrant and extra nutritious. If spinach is your favorite green, you may also love this crowd pleasing Knorr spinach dip recipe for your next gathering.

Serving Suggestions

A bowl of vegetable soup is already a full experience, but a few thoughtful touches can make it shine. I love serving it with warm crusty bread or a simple grilled cheese for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a little grated Parmesan adds a beautiful finishing note. If I’m entertaining, I’ll sometimes pair the soup with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that feels both wholesome and cozy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Vegetable soup is a champion when it comes to leftovers. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time, so don’t be surprised if day two tastes even better. To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to freezer safe bags or containers; it keeps well for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat to maintain its texture. If it thickens slightly, just add a splash of broth or water.

FAQs

Wrapping Up This Cozy Bowl

I hope this vegetable soup becomes one of those recipes you return to again and again. It’s simple, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. If you’re craving more cozy recipes, you might love exploring other warm bowls on the blog too. Until then, happy cooking and enjoy every comforting spoonful.