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Garden Bounty: Hearty Vegetable Soup for Cozy Nights

A vibrant, simmered vegetable soup with satisfyingly soft potatoes in a rich broth.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

This isn't your average vegetable soup; it's the kind that warms you from the inside out and makes you feel like you're getting a hug in a bowl. Passed down through generations, this recipe has become a family staple for its simplicity and deeply comforting flavors. The key is in the layering of the vegetables, each contributing its unique sweetness and texture to create a symphony of goodness. It's perfect for chilly evenings, a light lunch, or whenever you need a boost of wholesome, nourishing goodness.

  • •Earthy Sweetness - The carrots and corn provide a gentle sweetness that balances the savory broth.
  • •Textural Harmony - A mix of tender potatoes, slightly firm green beans, and soft onion creates a delightful mouthfeel.
  • •Aromatic Base - The sautéed onion, celery, and garlic build a foundational flavor that permeates the entire soup.
  • •Nourishing and Light - Packed with vitamins and fiber, this soup is a healthy and guilt-free meal.
  • •Freezer-Friendly Comfort - Makes a big batch that freezes beautifully for easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 Yellow Onion (diced)
  • 2 Carrots (diced)
  • 2 Celery Stalks (diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 8 cups Vegetable Broth (low sodium)
  • 1 28-ounce can Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
  • 2 Russet Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • 1 cup Green Beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 cup Corn (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly, indicating it's hot enough to start cooking.

    ~2 min

  2. 2

    Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking; you'll notice a sweet aroma as they soften.

    ~7 min

  3. 3

    Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The garlic should release its aroma and become slightly golden.

    ~1 min

  4. 4

    Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

    ~1 min

  5. 5

    Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. The potatoes will thicken the soup as they cook and add a creamy texture.

    ~1 min

  6. 6

    Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. A fork should easily pierce the potato cubes when they are ready.

    ~20 min

  7. 7

    Add the green beans and corn to the soup. These vegetables cook quickly, so they are added later to retain their vibrant color and texture.

    ~1 min

  8. 8

    Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking the green beans, as they will become mushy.

    ~7 min

  9. 9

    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to start with a small amount and adjust as needed. The flavors will continue to develop as the soup sits.

    ~1 min

  10. 10

    Remove from heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for developing the full depth of flavor.

    ~5 min

  11. 11

    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. The parsley adds a fresh, bright note to the rich soup.

    ~1 min

  12. 12

    Serve warm and enjoy! This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop.

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How Do I Know It's Ready?

Potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork. Green beans should be tender-crisp, not mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Garden Bounty: Hearty Vegetable Soup for Cozy Nights as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!