40-Minutes Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup Recipe To Try

Unearth the echoes of homely kitchens and hearty family dinners with the timeless charm of our Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup Recipe. The comforting medley of garden-fresh ingredients simmered gently in a savory broth takes you on a nostalgic culinary journey that reminds you of simpler times. 

Every simmering bubble of this soul-satisfying concoction feels like a hug in a bowl. This warm embrace soothes from within.

Rich with flavors and brimming with nutrition, this soup pairs perfectly with chilly evenings and cozy nights. 

Dive into the vibrant colors of the vegetable medley, and savor the rustic essence of hand-picked herbs and spices that blend harmoniously into the broth.

This Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup isn’t just a recipe – it’s a journey that bridges generations and binds us all together around the family table. 

Experience this culinary heritage, and bring timeless warmth to your meals. Enjoy the taste of tradition in each spoonful, and feel the warmth of nostalgia in every slurp.

What Is An Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup Recipe?

An Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup is a hearty, comforting blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices simmered to extract maximum flavor.

Key ingredients often include potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, and peas. However, the recipe can vary to suit one’s taste or what’s seasonal. 

A rich vegetable or chicken stock forms the base, while herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley add depth and complexity.

Often enjoyed with warm, crusty bread, this nourishing soup is a timeless classic reminiscent of homemade meals.

Can You Vary Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup Recipe With Other Ingredients?

• Keto Cut down on high-carb vegetables like potatoes and peas. Add more low-carb veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. For richness, you can also include higher-fat ingredients like avocado or a swirl of heavy cream.
• Paleo Stick to vegetables, herbs, and spices. Use homemade bone broth for extra protein and flavor. Make sure to exclude legumes and grains, which are not Paleo-friendly.
• Gluten-Free This soup is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free stock. Always check labels to ensure no hidden gluten is present.
• Whole30 Use compliant broth (without sugar or artificial additives) and focus on Whole30-friendly vegetables. Leave out legumes and grains, and ensure no dairy products are added.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Use a rich vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef. Add more root vegetables for a more hearty vegan soup, or consider incorporating lentils or chickpeas for extra protein.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Vegetable Variation: Swap out or add vegetables as per season and preference. Consider spinach, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
• Protein Boost: Add lentils, beans, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and replace butter with olive oil for a vegan version.

Add-Ons

• Grains: Stir in cooked barley, quinoa, or brown rice for a hearty touch.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or dill can add a refreshing flavor.
• Pasta: Add small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo for an Italian twist.

Toppings

• Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or cheddar adds a savory finish.
• Croutons: Top with homemade croutons for a delightful crunch.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds color and flavor.
• Cream: A swirl of cream or dollop of sour cream adds richness and balances flavors.
• Seeds or Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds for added crunch and nutrition.

Can I Make An Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup Recipe In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

• Start by sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery in a skillet until the onion is translucent. This will add depth to the flavors.
• Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker.
• Add the tomatoes with their juice, all seasonings, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
• Stir everything together, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Check the vegetables for tenderness and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
• This method is excellent for when you want to set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to slowly meld together over several hours.

Instant Pot

• Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, melt the butter, then add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
• Add the tomatoes with their juice, all seasonings, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
• Seal the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
• Open the lid, check the vegetables for tenderness, and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can use store-bought broth for your Old-Fashioned Vegetable Soup recipe. It’s a convenient option, especially when you’re short on time. When purchasing, look for low-sodium versions to control your soup’s salt content better. Also, opt for organic and no MSG-added versions when available.

However, making your broth at home allows for a deeper, richer flavor profile that’s hard to match with store-bought versions. Homemade broth often has less sodium and no artificial preservatives or additives. Plus, you can customize it with different vegetables, herbs, and spices.

How To Serve ?

• Bread on the Side: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread, a baguette, or dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Accompanied by a Salad: A fresh salad on the side can complement the warm, hearty soup, providing a balanced meal. You could go with a simple green salad or try something more complex like a Greek salad or Caesar salad.
• Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the soup with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or dill just before serving. This adds a new flavor and makes the dish look more appealing.
• With a Grate of Cheese: A little grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top of the soup can add a deliciously salty note and make the dish even more satisfying.
• In a Bread Bowl: For a fun and hearty presentation, hollow out a round loaf of bread and pour the soup right in.
• Paired with a Sandwich: Serve the soup alongside a half sandwich for a classic soup-and-sandwich lunch. It goes great with anything from simple grilled cheese to a gourmet panini.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Fresh Bread: Nothing like a slice of fresh, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful soup broth. You could also offer a variety of bread rolls or garlic bread.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The gooey, melty cheese sandwich is a classic companion to vegetable soup, providing a satisfying contrast in texture and a comforting familiarity.
• Green Salad: A light, crisp salad can offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. A simple lettuce and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would work well.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes can add an extra dose of veggies and a lovely caramelized flavor that pairs well with the soup.
• Quiche: A slice of quiche could add a protein-rich side to your vegetable soup. The creamy, custardy texture of the quiche contrasts nicely with the chunky soup.
• Coleslaw: The crunch and tang of coleslaw can contrast with the soft, savory soup.
• Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the hot soup nicely, providing a balance of temperatures.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: Store leftover vegetable soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead: This vegetable soup is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the soup as directed, allow it to cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin it out.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

• Pasta Sauce: Reduce the soup on the stove to thicken it, and use it as a flavorful vegetable sauce over pasta.
• Stew: Add some cooked beans, lentils, or chunks of meat to turn the soup into a hearty stew.
• Rice Dish: Stir leftover soup into cooked rice to make a vegetable risotto or pilaf.
• Baked Casserole: Mix with pasta, top with cheese, and bake for a tasty casserole.
• Pie Filling: Use it for a savory pie or pot pie.
• Taco or Burrito Filling: Add some spices, and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
• Bruschetta Topping: Reduce the soup, mash it slightly, and use it as a topping for bruschetta.

TIPS

• Enhance the flavor by roasting the vegetables before adding them to the soup. This adds a rich, caramelized depth.
• Use a variety of vegetables for a more complex flavor profile and added nutrients.
• Add a Parmesan cheese rind while simmering for a subtle umami boost.
• Use homemade vegetable broth for a fresher taste, or enhance store-bought broth with herbs and spices.
• For a creamy texture without cream, blend a portion of the soup and add it back to the pot.
• Finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.

Nutrition Table