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To make a delicious Mediterranean vegetable soup, gather these key items: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped - Juice of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh veggies add color and taste. You can use many types in this soup. I love using: - Onion: It gives a sweet base flavor. - Garlic: Adds a nice aroma and taste. - Carrots: They bring sweetness and crunch. - Celery: It adds a fresh, crisp element. - Zucchini: This vegetable softens well and absorbs flavors. - Red bell pepper: It offers a pop of color and sweetness. - Green beans: They add texture and a fresh taste. Herbs and spices make this soup sing! Here are the stars: - Dried oregano: A classic herb that gives a warm flavor. - Dried thyme: Offers an earthy note that blends well. - Smoked paprika: It adds a smoky depth and warmth. - Salt and pepper: These are must-haves for seasoning. - Fresh parsley: It garnishes and adds a bright finish. These ingredients create a tasty and healthy dish. Each one plays a role in making the soup rich in flavor and nutrients. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with your ingredients ready. Gather everything you need. It makes cooking smooth and fun. Here’s what to chop: - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped - Juice of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Once you chop the veggies, you are ready to cook. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes. The onion should look soft and clear. Then, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Let it cook for 1 more minute. You will smell that great garlic aroma. Next, add the diced carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes. Stir them every so often. They will start to soften up. After that, toss in the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and green beans. Sauté those for another 5 minutes. Now it's time for the fun part. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir it all well. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat. Let it simmer for 20 minutes without a lid. Just before serving, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and the lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. The greens will wilt nicely. Now, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top it off with fresh parsley. This makes it look bright and tasty! Enjoy your warm, healthy, and flavorful Mediterranean vegetable soup. To enhance the flavors in your Mediterranean vegetable soup, start with quality olive oil. It adds richness. Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten the soup. Try adding a bit of chili flakes for heat. This gives the soup a warm kick. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth, too. Mix it in right before serving for a zesty touch. One common mistake is overcooking the vegetables. They should be tender but still bright. Avoid using old or wilted vegetables; fresh ones give the best flavor. Don’t skip the seasoning. Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the taste. Also, remember to taste your soup before serving. Adjust the spices and salt as needed. When making soup, always start with a base of onions and garlic. Sauté them well for a good flavor foundation. Use a large pot to allow for even cooking. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it simmer to blend the flavors. This will make your soup taste better. Lastly, serve it hot and with fresh bread. Enjoy every spoonful! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your soup significantly. Consider adding basil or cilantro for a fresh twist. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to substitute any seasonal vegetables you have on hand. This soup is versatile and can accommodate a variety of produce. Make It Creamy: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in. You can also stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk. Serve with Bread: Pair your soup with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal that will warm you up. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Mediterranean vegetable soup. Chickpeas are my go-to choice. They add a nice texture and have great flavor. Use one can, drained and rinsed. If you want meat, try adding cooked chicken or turkey. Dice it small so it mixes well. You can also use lentils. They cook fast and add a hearty feel. This soup is naturally gluten-free. All the ingredients fit in a gluten-free diet. Just make sure your vegetable broth is gluten-free. Some brands add gluten, so read the label. If you want a thicker soup, blend part of it. This will give you a creamy texture without gluten. Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies. If it's summer, use fresh tomatoes and bell peppers. In winter, try adding root vegetables like potatoes or squash. This keeps your soup fresh and interesting. You can also use leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens. They add nutrients and a nice color. To store your leftover soup, let it cool first. Pour the soup into an airtight container. Make sure the lid fits tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To freeze the soup, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label each bag with the date. The soup can stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, the stovetop is best. Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the soup seems thick, add a little water or broth. Heat it until it’s hot all the way through. Enjoy it warm and fresh! Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker! Just add all your chopped veggies, garlic, diced tomatoes, and broth. Set it on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method brings out the flavors well. Just remember to add the spinach and lemon juice just before serving. This keeps them fresh and bright. Feel free to get creative with your veggies! You can add: - Broccoli florets - Cauliflower - Peas - Corn - Potatoes You can also swap out any vegetable you don't like. Just keep the balance and colors in mind. Each veggie brings its own taste and texture. This soup can last in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Just store it in an airtight container. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even tastier. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it first before freezing. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Mediterranean vegetable soup. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavors. Remember, using fresh veggies and herbs makes a big difference. Don’t skip storage tips to keep your soup tasty for later. I believe you’ll enjoy trying different versions, too. With these simple methods, you can create a warm meal that everyone loves. Cooking can be fun, and each bowl is a taste of the Mediterranean!

Mediterranean Garden Vegetable Soup

A hearty and healthy vegetable soup packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1 medium juice of lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.
  • Introduce the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and green beans. Sauté for another 5 minutes.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
  • Add the dried oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
  • Just before serving, stir in the chopped spinach (or kale) and lemon juice. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
Keyword healthy, Mediterranean, soup, vegetable