Description
Comforting and quick, this Busy Day Soup brings warmth to hectic schedules with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Home cooks can savor a nourishing meal that comes together effortlessly, offering delicious relief when time is short.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 cup cooked beans or lentils
Main Vegetables:
- 2 cups chopped vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, zucchini)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves minced garlic
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, infusing the kitchen with aromatic notes of sautéed onions and garlic until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
- Introduce chopped vegetables to the pot, stirring continuously for approximately 5 minutes to develop their flavors and slightly soften their texture.
- Gently cascade broth and diced tomatoes into the pot, allowing the mixture to reach a delicate, rolling boil that promotes flavor melding.
- Incorporate beans or lentils, complemented by a harmonious blend of thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, which will create depth and complexity to the soup’s profile.
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer, letting the ingredients mingle and develop rich flavors for 20-25 minutes, allowing the liquid to slightly reduce and intensify.
- During the final 10 minutes of cooking, consider enriching the soup with additional proteins, wholesome grains, or vibrant leafy greens to elevate the nutritional value and textural experience.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring a balanced and satisfying culinary creation that reflects your personal palate.
Notes
- Customize the soup by using your favorite seasonal vegetables for maximum freshness and flavor variety.
- Choose low-sodium broth to control salt intake and enhance the soup’s natural taste profile.
- Swap canned beans for cooked dried beans to reduce sodium and add more authentic texture.
- Prep vegetables in advance during meal prep to make this soup incredibly quick and convenient for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg