The Best Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe

Have you ever experienced a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? If not, you need to try this! Today, I’m sharing my recipe for a delicious vegetable soup that’s perfect for warming both body and soul, especially on chilly days.

Ingredients for this Vegetable Soup:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 8.5 cups (approx. 2 liters) water or vegetable broth
• Salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste
• 1.75 lbs (800g) potatoes, diced
• 12 oz (350g) parsnips, diced (substitute for mandioquinha)
• Green beans, to taste
• 1 cup soup pasta (like ditalini or small shells)
• Fresh parsley and scallions, chopped

How to make this Vegetable Soup:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and bell pepper until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
2. Add the carrot and the pre-heated water (or broth).
3. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
4. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add the potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the parsnips and cook for 5 more minutes.
7. Add the pasta and green beans. Simmer for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is al dente.
8. Finish with the fresh parsley and scallions, and serve hot.

Pro-Tip:

For a thicker, creamier broth, smash a few of the cooked potato chunks against the side of the pot. This creates a natural, hearty texture. You can also omit the pasta for a lighter, vegetable-only soup.

Prep and Cook Time:

Total time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

Yield:

This recipe makes about 6 servings—perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.

Did you know?

The secret to perfect vegetable soup lies in the cook time of each ingredient. By adding vegetables according to their density—starting with the toughest and ending with the softest—you ensure everything is cooked to perfection, avoiding mushy, overcooked veggies.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonal vegetables! Chayote, butternut squash, or zucchini are great additions to boost nutrition and flavor.

Special serving idea: Place a small cube of mild white cheese (like queso fresco or mozzarella) in the bottom of your bowl before ladling in the hot soup. The cheese will melt slightly, absorbing the savory flavors for an incredible experience.

Now that you have the secrets to this delicious vegetable soup, it’s time to get cooking! I guarantee it will be a household favorite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—good food is meant to be shared.