Warm Your Soul: The Ultimate Cozy Winter Vegetable Soup

  As the days grow shorter and the frost begins to nip at our noses, there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to bring warmth and comfort. Forget complicated concoctions; today, we're making a Hearty Winter Vegetable Soup that's as nourishing as it is delicious. It's packed with seasonal goodness, easy to make, and perfect for chasing away the winter chill.

This soup is a true champion of plant-based eating, brimming with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs. It's the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, making it ideal for a cozy night in, or a comforting lunch on a blustery day. Plus, it's incredibly versatile – feel free to swap in your favorite winter veggies or whatever you have on hand!

Ready to get simmering? Let's make some magic in a pot!

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Cozy Winter Vegetable Soup Recipe

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45-50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)
• 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
• ½ cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup frozen peas
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, a swirl of pesto, crusty bread for serving

Instructions:

1.    Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes.

2.    Add Garlic & Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the bay leaf.

3.    Simmer with Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4.    Introduce Heartier Veggies: Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

5.    Finish with Greens & Peas: Stir in the chopped kale (or spinach) and green beans. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the greens have wilted and the green beans are tender-crisp. Add the frozen peas and cook for just 2-3 minutes more, until heated through.

6.    Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a swirl of pesto, if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

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This Winter Vegetable Soup is more than just a meal; it's a bowl of comfort, warmth, and nourishment. It’s perfect for meal prepping, as it tastes even better the next day! So, grab your coziest blanket, settle in, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a truly homemade winter soup.

Happy stirring!