Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Busy Day Soup, perfect for hectic schedules and hungry families. Savory ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering warmth and satisfaction in one delicious bowl that nourishes both body and spirit.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked beans or lentils
- Optional: tofu or cooked chicken
Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, zucchini)
- 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) diced tomatoes
- Optional: leafy greens (spinach, kale)
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Grains:
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Barley
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium heat, introducing diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until aromatic and slightly translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate a medley of chopped seasonal vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini. Gently cook for 5 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and release their natural essence.
- Stream in broth and diced tomatoes, creating a harmonious liquid base. Elevate the temperature to trigger a gentle, rolling boil.
- Introduce protein-rich legumes such as beans or lentils, complemented by an herbaceous blend of thyme, smoky paprika, and seasoning. Stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Reduce thermal intensity, allowing the concoction to simmer quietly. Let the ingredients commune and develop depth for 20-25 minutes, transforming into a robust, comforting brew.
- During the final cooking moments, consider enhancing the soup with additional proteins, hearty grains, or vibrant leafy greens for extra nutritional complexity and textural intrigue.
Notes
- Customize the vegetables based on what’s in your fridge to reduce food waste and create a unique soup every time.
- Soak dried beans overnight or use canned beans for a quicker preparation, ensuring they’re well-drained before adding to the soup.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving for a bright, fresh taste.
- Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free broth and ensuring any added grains are gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg