why make this recipe
Homemade soup is a comforting and nutritious choice for any meal. It is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and can be customized to fit your tastes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a warm bowl of comfort. Plus, making soup at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, ensuring a healthy and delicious dish.
how to make Homemade Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup cooked pasta or rice
Directions:
- In a slow cooker, combine the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Add the diced tomatoes, broth, green beans, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- If desired, stir in cooked pasta or rice before serving.
how to serve Homemade Soup
Serve your homemade soup hot in bowls. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy it with family and friends for a cozy gathering.
how to store Homemade Soup
To store your homemade soup, let it cool completely. Transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate it. The soup can be stored in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
tips to make Homemade Soup
- For more flavor, sauté the onion, garlic, and vegetables in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more herbs or spices.
- Use any leftover vegetables or proteins to make the soup even heartier.
- If you want a thicker soup, blend a portion of it and then mix it back in.
variation
You can easily change this soup recipe by adding different vegetables like zucchini or spinach. You can also use different kinds of broth or protein options, such as shredded chicken or beans, to make it more filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in this soup?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Just add them in the last hour of cooking to keep them from becoming too soft.
Can I make this soup on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just combine all the ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and skip the optional pasta or rice or use a gluten-free version.
Homemade Soup
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 whole onion, chopped Chopped onion adds sweetness and flavor.
- 2 whole carrots, diced Diced carrots provide sweetness.
- 2 stalks celery, diced Diced celery adds crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Minced garlic enhances flavor.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes Canned tomatoes add acidity.
- 1 cup green beans, chopped Fresh or frozen green beans may be used.
- 1 cup potatoes, diced Diced potatoes add heartiness.
Liquids and Seasoning
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth Choose broth based on preference.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Thyme adds earthy flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to taste.
Optional Additions
- 1 cup cooked pasta or rice Can be stirred in before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a slow cooker, combine the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Add the diced tomatoes, broth, green beans, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
Serving
- Serve your homemade soup hot in bowls.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
- Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
