Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup

### **Instructions:**

#### **1. Prepare the Vegetables:**
– Begin by prepping all your vegetables. Peel and dice the **carrots**, **potatoes**, and **onion**, and chop the **zucchini** and **celery** into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh **green beans**, trim the ends and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Set the vegetables aside.

#### **2. Sauté the Aromatics:**
– Heat the **olive oil** in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the **onion** and **garlic**. Sauté for about **2-3 minutes** until the onions are softened and fragrant.

#### **3. Add the Vegetables:**
– Add the diced **carrots**, **celery**, and **potato** to the pot. Cook for another **5 minutes**, stirring occasionally, to let the vegetables slightly soften and pick up some flavor.

#### **4. Simmer the Soup:**
– Pour in the **vegetable broth** and **water**, followed by the **diced tomatoes** (with juice). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
– Once simmering, add the **green beans**, **corn**, **zucchini**, and **herbs** (basil, oregano, and thyme). Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste.

#### **5. Cook Until Tender:**
– Let the soup simmer for about **20-30 minutes**, or until all the vegetables are tender. If you’re adding **pasta** or **rice**, add it during the last **10 minutes** of cooking so it doesn’t overcook.
– If you prefer a thicker soup, you can lightly mash some of the vegetables with a potato masher for a creamier texture.

#### **6. Add Greens (Optional):**
– For an extra boost of nutrition, stir in **spinach** or **kale** in the last few minutes of cooking. These greens will wilt down nicely and add an earthy flavor to the soup.

#### **7. Taste and Adjust:**
– Once the soup is fully cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

#### **8. Serve and Enjoy:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

### **Tips for Making the Best Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup:**

– **Use Seasonal Vegetables:** To make the most of fresh produce, feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like **butternut squash**, **sweet potatoes**, or **parsnips**.
– **Add Beans or Lentils:** For extra protein, try adding a can of **cannellini beans** or **lentils** to the soup. They’ll make it even more filling and hearty.
– **Herb Variations:** If you don’t have all the dried herbs, you can experiment with other seasonings such as **rosemary**, **sage**, or **bay leaves** for a unique flavor profile.
– **Make It Ahead:** This soup gets better as it sits! You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together.
– **Freezing:** This soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to **3 months** and reheat when needed for a quick meal.

### **Why This Soup Is Perfect for Any Occasion:**

– **Comfort Food:** There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hot vegetable soup. It’s perfect for those cozy nights in or when you’re feeling under the weather.
– **Meal Prep Friendly:** This soup can easily be made in advance and stored for later, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeks when you need something quick and nutritious.
– **Family-Friendly:** Hearty and mild in flavor, this vegetable soup is loved by both kids and adults alike. You can adjust the seasoning to suit everyone’s taste preferences.
– **Versatile:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, swap the broth, or even add some protein to make it a meal in itself.

### **Conclusion:**

**Hearty Homemade Vegetable Soup** is the perfect dish to enjoy any time of year. Its simple ingredients, rich flavor, and nourishing qualities make it a timeless classic that everyone will love. Plus, with its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to be a comforting, satisfying staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!