Vegetable Soup Recipe (2024)

By Mark Bittman

Updated Feb. 29, 2024

Vegetable Soup Recipe (1)

Total Time
About 15 minutes
Rating
4(653)
Notes
Read community notes

Featured in: Vegetable Soup

Learn: How to Make Soup

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Ingredients

  • 1pound chopped zucchini
  • 1ear of corn
  • 2tomatoes, chopped
  • 1tablespoon garlic, slivered
  • Splash of stock
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil, for garnish
  • Basil, for garnish

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

106 calories; 4 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 16 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 6 grams sugars; 4 grams protein; 559 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Vegetable Soup Recipe (2)

Preparation

  1. Step

    1

    Put zucchini, kernels from corn, tomatoes, slivered garlic, stock, salt and pepper in a microwave-safe bowl.

  2. Step

    2

    Cover, and microwave, stopping and stirring halfway, until the vegetables are tender and the tomatoes have created a broth, 8 to 10 minutes.

  3. Step

    3

    Garnish: Olive oil and basil.

Ratings

4

out of 5

653

user ratings

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Lynn

Of course, use freshest summer ingredients. Followed recipe up to end where I sprinkled shaved Parmesan R. instead of basil/oil. Fabulous, easy, healthy, delicious!

Kate

My tomatoes were out of season, but I found that I needed a bit more than a splash of stock and an extra tomato for the nice broth pictured here. The soup is delightful garnished with fresh basil and grated parmesan. I will be making this often!

Brian

Nice simple soup but ...(1) takes way more than 15 mins to prepare(2) you need to add stock - microwaving veggies doesn’t make a broth, it makes microwaved veggies

Nancy h

Did it on stove top. Added broth from corn cobs cooked several days ago and stored in fridge....probably scant cup. Did 2 ear corn, 3 med. Zucchini, and probably 3 tomatoes (combo of sizes), all from farmers market today. Was very good. Dont know how it would be if ingredients were not so fresh and good. Served with garnish of fresh basil, and some garlic aoili, also from farmers market.

Cristie

Should be called ‘August Farm Stand Soup.’ I couldn’t possibly gush enough to describe how much I love this recipe.

very good

Used two heirloom tomatoes, one zuke, and two small corn cobs (one large would suffice). Added spinach bc I had it. Was impressed by how much liquid came out. Expected to add much more broth but didn’t need to. Added more garlic, a little crushed red, and parm cheese. Fresh basil is a nonnegotiable. Made the soup.

lucy

I keep making this and keep deciding to pimp it one way or another. The first time out, I made the recipe as written. The second time, I used vegetable stock and this time, turkey stock — but for the latest incarnation, also grated parmesan and lots of fresh parsley. It always needs something. But I will continue to make this and fuss with possible improvements because the base recipe is so fresh and clean.

Gisele

I love the vegetables soup. I make it on the stove top. I add a little chopped onion that I sauté in a little olive oil. I use 2 corns, 1 pound zucchini and pint of very ripe grape tomatoes sliced in half. It is very delicious and easy to make. Do not forget the basil.

Matilde

This was too garlicky for me. I had to take out garlic and add a lot more broth. Once I did it was delicious :)

Nancy h

Did it on stove top. Added broth from corn cobs cooked several days ago and stored in fridge....probably scant cup. Did 2 ear corn, 3 med. Zucchini, and probably 3 tomatoes (combo of sizes), all from farmers market today. Was very good. Dont know how it would be if ingredients were not so fresh and good. Served with garnish of fresh basil, and some garlic aoili, also from farmers market.

sheila

Does this freeze well?

Figaro

Sheila, in my over 60 years of cooking experience, I can't think of a soup that 'doesn't' freeze well.

Cristie

Should be called ‘August Farm Stand Soup.’ I couldn’t possibly gush enough to describe how much I love this recipe.

Podi

Sometimes I add a bit of pesto and grated Parmesan.

Brian

Nice simple soup but ...(1) takes way more than 15 mins to prepare(2) you need to add stock - microwaving veggies doesn’t make a broth, it makes microwaved veggies

Gale

Would it help to use the corn cobs and allow them to simmer a while after removing the corn (as was written in a prior recipe) Corn is now so delicious, I might try this. I appreciate these simple soup recipes that are not so involved or heavy at this time of year.

Meredith

I used corn stock from a few weeks ago that I froze (about two cups) and doubled all the ingredients. Added an entire head of garlic and it was fabulous! Going to serve with pesto swirled in or just olive oil and parmesan. Will add fresh chopped parsley too. My corn wasn't even very good (starchy) and it tastes incredible.

Joan

It was a perfect summer soup. I am making it again tonight.

microwaveable

Quick.

Kate

My tomatoes were out of season, but I found that I needed a bit more than a splash of stock and an extra tomato for the nice broth pictured here. The soup is delightful garnished with fresh basil and grated parmesan. I will be making this often!

Gale

the tomatoes make the recipe!And when you have good ones, the recipe is great!

Lynn

Of course, use freshest summer ingredients. Followed recipe up to end where I sprinkled shaved Parmesan R. instead of basil/oil. Fabulous, easy, healthy, delicious!

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Vegetable Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient for vegetable soup? ›

Worcestershire Sauce

Similar to the fish sauce, Worcestershire Sauce adds umami to soups and stocks. It's because of the anchovies in there. It doesn't taste like anchovies, just like good rich meatiness. Give it a whirl in Vegetable Soup or a Beef Stew.

How do you make vegetable soup taste better? ›

How to Add Lots of Flavor to Vegetable Soup
  1. Salt: enhances flavor.
  2. Fat: amplifies flavor.
  3. Acid: brightens and balances.
  4. Heat: determines the texture of the food.

What seasonings are good in vegetable soup? ›

Boosting Flavor

For more flavor add in more dried herbs (or even triple the amount of dried thyme). Other good herbs to add include basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, or Italian seasoning. Another option to add more flavor is to use a homemade chicken stock or vegetable broth.

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

What can I add to vegetable soup to give it more flavor? ›

A squeeze of citrus, a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of cream, a dusting of cheese or a good chile powder, a sprinkling of some herbs or croutons — all can take a perfectly fine soup into the realm of the delectable. Even a spiral of good olive oil to finish and some coarse sea salt can do wonders.

How do you deepen vegetable soup flavor? ›

Suggestions to improve the flavor:
  1. Celery salt or celery seed (preferably ground). ...
  2. White wine vinegar (for acidity and a richer flavor, and pairing with the cabbage and onions)
  3. Dry vermouth or white wine. ...
  4. A jigger of sherry or cooking sherry (the latter has salt, so add it before salting the soup).
Jun 21, 2011

Why does my vegetable soup have no flavor? ›

Not Browning Vegetables

It may be tempting to toss all your chopped ingredients into a pot, add the broth and simmer until tender. But if you take the time to brown all your ingredients before adding the broth, you'll be rewarded with extra flavor and sweetness.

What are the best vegetables to put in soup? ›

Veggies That Make Healthy, Tasty Soups
  • Cucumber. 1/14. This nutritious veggie is one of the ingredients in the cold soup called gazpacho. ...
  • Butternut Squash. 2/14. ...
  • Lentils. 3/14. ...
  • Broccoli. 4/14. ...
  • Potatoes. 5/14. ...
  • Mushrooms. 6/14. ...
  • Fresh Spring Peas. 7/14. ...
  • Dried Split Peas. 8/14.

How do you fix bland vegetable soup? ›

Add acidity: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a dash of vinegar, or a splash of wine can brighten the flavors of a soup and make it taste more complex. Experiment with different cooking methods: Roasting or caramelizing vegetables before adding them to the soup can bring out thei.

How to make soup really flavorful? ›

How to Make Broth More Flavorful
  1. Add herbs and spices. Herbs and spices add aroma, flavor, and intensity to soup broth. ...
  2. Pack in umami flavor. "If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. ...
  3. Let it evaporate and cook longer.
Jun 28, 2023

What not to do when making soup? ›

The 7 Biggest Mistakes You Make Cooking Soup
  1. Boiling instead of simmering. You want a small bubble or two to rise to the surface of the liquid every few seconds. ...
  2. Not using enough salt. ...
  3. Ignoring water. ...
  4. Overcooking the vegetables. ...
  5. Adding tomatoes at the beginning. ...
  6. Neglecting to garnish. ...
  7. Not trying a pressure cooker.
Nov 19, 2014

What is the No 1 soup in the world? ›

According to the Taste Atlas Awards, the international food database, the Filipino favorite, Sinigang, is hailed as the best soup in the world.

What are the rules of soup? ›

While drinking the soup, don't have it from the tip. Instead, keep the spoon horizontal and gently drink it from the longer side of the poon. Always use a soup spoon for the purpose, instead of a regular spoon. Also, never slurp or make noises while having soup.

How do you add flavor to a bland vegetable soup? ›

Roast or caramelize your vegetables before adding them to your soup to bring out their natural sweetness. Add ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, soy sauce, miso, or seaweed to enhance the flavor of your soup. Use fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil or thyme to add fresh flavor to your soup.

What are the secrets to flavorful soup? ›

To make sure that every spoonful of soup is richly flavored, with juicy meat and/or tender vegetables, follow these kitchen-tested tips.
  1. Use a Sturdy Pot. ...
  2. Sauté the Aromatics. ...
  3. Start with Good Broth. ...
  4. Cut Vegetables to the Right Size. ...
  5. Stagger the Addition of Vegetables. ...
  6. Keep Liquid at a Simmer. ...
  7. Season Just Before Serving.
Oct 9, 2022

What gives soup the best flavor? ›

Herbs and spices add aroma, flavor, and intensity to soup broth. "Use fresh or dried basil in tomato-based recipes or fresh parsley to add freshness to clear broth soups," says Sofia Norton, RD. You can also go with more heat and spices.

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