Print

Cozy Leftover Vegetable Soup Recipe

leftover vegetable soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and nourishing soup made from leftover vegetables, perfect for clearing out the fridge and warming up on chilly nights. Easy, forgiving, and delicious with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup chopped celery stalks (about 2 stalks)
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • 2 cups leafy greens like spinach or kale, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup diced potatoes (optional)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or stock (low-sodium recommended)
  • Water as needed to adjust consistency
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian herb mix
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or cilantro, grated Parmesan or vegan cheese, crusty bread or croutons

Instructions

  1. Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces, dicing carrots and celery into about ½ inch cubes.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Stir occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes until onions are translucent and vegetables soften.
  3. Add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth. Add salt, pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
  6. Add diced potatoes and continue simmering. After 10 minutes, stir in leafy greens and cook for another 5 minutes until potatoes are tender and greens wilted.
  7. Adjust soup thickness by adding water if too thick or simmering longer if too watery. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Remove bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to brighten flavors.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or cheese if desired, and with crusty bread on the side.

Notes

Sauté vegetables gently to unlock sweetness. Add garlic carefully to avoid burning. Add leafy greens last to keep them bright and fresh. Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching. Adjust seasoning gradually and add acid at the end to brighten flavors. This soup is forgiving and adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover vegetable soup, easy vegetable soup, comforting soup, nourishing meal, vegan soup, gluten-free soup, quick soup recipe

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/cozy-leftover-vegetable-soup-recipe-easy-nourishing-comfort-meal/