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Basic Vegetable Soup

Turn forgotten produce and herbs loitering in the fridge into this easy, quick soup.
Course Soup

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion medium dice
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 medium carrots medium dice
  • 2 medium garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk medium dice
  • 2 cups additional vegetables of your choice such as red pepper, cabbage, asparagus, mushrooms, fennel, or peas, medium dice
  • 1 bay leaf optional
  • 1 pinch dried thyme optional
  • 1/4 cup white wine or dry vermouth optional
  • 1 quart low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes medium dice
  • Pesto optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the carrots and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the celery and, if using, any hearty vegetables (such as cabbage and fennel) and the bay leaf and thyme. Season again with salt and pepper and cook an additional 5 minutes. If using, add the wine or vermouth (for some acidity) and cook, stirring occasionally, until the alcohol has reduced by about half, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the broth, potatoes, and any quicker-cooking vegetables (such as asparagus and peas). Let the soup come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and gently simmer, uncovered, until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork, about 15 to 25 minutes. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. If you choose, serve with a dollop of pesto.