There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to chase away the chill. This hearty winter vegetable soup is the ultimate comfort food, wrapping you in cozy warmth from the first spoonful. We’re creating a nourishing dish with simple, seasonal ingredients. Get ready for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any chilly evening. This truly is one of the best winter soup recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Winter Soup Recipe
This incredible winter soup recipe will quickly become a household favorite. It’s wonderfully hearty and filling, making it a complete meal on its own. The soup is packed with immune-boosting nutrients, perfect for staying well during colder months. Its easy, one-pot preparation simplifies cleanup, a busy parent’s dream. This recipe is also fantastic for meal prep, improving in flavor overnight. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it suits many dietary needs. Finally, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s tastes.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, wholesome ingredients to create your comforting vegetable soup. You’ll need a flavorful base and a medley of garden vegetables. These components come together beautifully for a rich, satisfying dish.
- 1 recipe Hearty Vegetable Stock, along with re-hydrated mushrooms from the stock
- 2 leeks, white parts only, split in half lengthwise, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 large Yukon gold potato, diced
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained (or any other cooked canned bean)
- 1 small bunch kale, thick stems removed, leaves roughly torn
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Notes & Substitutions
For the vegetable stock, using your own homemade hearty vegetable stock provides the best flavor for this warming soup. According to Harvard’ University’s Nutrition Source, making your own vegetable stock allows you to control sodium and create a flavorful base. However, a good quality store-bought low-sodium vegetable broth works perfectly well if you are short on time. Feel free to swap out the Yukon gold potato for other root vegetables like sweet potato or parsnips for a different flavor profile. Cannellini beans or great northern beans can easily replace chickpeas, adding their creamy texture. Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs can boost the aromatic qualities, replacing or complementing the parsley. If you need a gluten-free option, ensure you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful winter soup.
- A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for simmering all the ingredients.
- A cutting board and a sharp knife will help with vegetable preparation.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- A ladle makes serving this hearty soup simple.
Instructions
Making this delicious winter soup recipe is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time. The prep work is minimal, leading to a flavorful and easy cooking experience.
First, prepare your vegetables. Wash all produce thoroughly. Carefully chop the reserved re-hydrated mushrooms into half-inch pieces. Slice the white parts of the leeks, dice the carrot, dice the celery, and dice the Yukon gold potato. If you are starting with dry mushrooms, ensure they are fully rehydrated and chopped before beginning.
Next, combine your ingredients in a large saucepan. Add the chopped re-hydrated mushrooms, the vegetable broth, sliced leeks, diced carrot, diced celery, diced potato, rinsed and drained chickpeas, torn kale leaves, and soy sauce. These ingredients form the base of your nourishing winter soup.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are completely tender. They should even begin to fall apart slightly, which helps thicken the soup naturally. This process usually takes about 25 minutes.
While the soup simmers, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water until smooth. This mixture will help thicken your soup to a perfect consistency.
Stir the prepared cornstarch slurry into the simmering soup. Allow the soup to continue simmering for two minutes longer. This time lets the cornstarch activate and thicken the soup to a lovely, rich texture.
Season the soup generously to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember to taste as you go, adjusting until the seasoning is just right. Stir in the fresh juice from one to two lemons, which brightens the entire flavor profile. Finally, add the chopped fresh parsley leaves.
Serve your hearty winter vegetable soup hot. Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil into each bowl as you eat for added richness and flavor. This easy winter soup recipe is now ready to warm you from the inside out.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Elevate your winter soup recipes with these simple tips. To boost flavor, try roasting your garlic before adding it to the pot. Roasting brings out a sweeter, deeper taste. Avoid overcooking your vegetables; they should be tender but not mushy. Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process, tasting and adding salt or pepper as needed. For the cornstarch slurry, ensure it’s completely smooth before adding to prevent lumps. For the best flavor, make this soup a day ahead. Flavors meld and deepen overnight, creating an even more delicious experience.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile winter soup recipe offers many options for serving, storing, and customizing. It adapts easily to your preferences and schedule.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your hearty vegetable soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, which is always a comforting addition. For an optional touch, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over each bowl before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, like more parsley or a sprig of thyme, to enhance both flavor and presentation.
Storage Instructions
First, allow the soup to cool completely before storing it. This prevents condensation and keeps it fresh longer. Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer preservation, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Variations
Feel free to customize this soup to your liking. Add cooked small pasta shapes or grains like quinoa or farro to make it even more substantial. Introduce different legumes such as cannellini beans or kidney beans for varied textures and nutrients. For a bit of heat, spice it up with a pinch of red chili flakes. If you enjoy a creamy texture, stir in a swirl of heavy cream or a plant-based alternative like coconut milk at the very end.
Nutrition
This hearty vegetable soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with fiber-rich vegetables like kale, carrots, and potatoes, which support digestive health. These ingredients also provide a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium. The soup is naturally low in fat, making it a light yet satisfying meal option. With chickpeas adding plant-based protein, it keeps you full and energized. Each serving provides approximately 250-300 calories, depending on exact ingredient portions and optional additions.
Kale is a notable ingredient, offering an abundance of nutrients that support heart health, including potassium, fiber, folate, and calcium; WebMD provides further information on the health benefits of kale.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbs | 40g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fiber | 10g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
FAQ
You might have a few questions about making this comforting winter soup recipe. We have the answers to help you cook with confidence.
Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans. Ensure your vegetable stock is vegan-friendly and use tamari instead of soy sauce if avoiding gluten.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen diced carrots, corn, or peas work well and save prep time. Add them during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering to prevent them from becoming too soft.
How long does the soup last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this soup will last for 3-4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Can I make it thicker/thinner?
To thicken, you can add another small cornstarch slurry or mash some of the cooked potatoes. To thin it out, simply add more vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
What broth is best to use?
Homemade hearty vegetable stock provides the deepest flavor. However, a good quality, low-sodium store-bought vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for convenience.
Conclusion
This hearty winter vegetable soup embodies simple, nourishing joy in every bowl. We encourage you to try this ultimate winter soup recipe in your kitchen soon. It is truly perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave warmth and comfort. Share your creations, comment on your favorite variations, and enjoy the delicious warmth it brings to your table.
Easy & Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare vegetables: Wash all produce. Dice leeks, carrot, celery, and potato. Chop rehydrated mushrooms. Remove stems and tear kale leaves.
- In a large pot, add broth, mushrooms, leeks, carrot, celery, potato, chickpeas, kale, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and slightly breaking down.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water into a slurry. Stir it into the soup and simmer 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Season soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Drizzle olive oil into bowls when serving.
Notes
Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.
