Description
Busy Day Soup is a hearty and versatile soup recipe perfect for quick and nutritious meals. Featuring a flavorful base of sautéed onions and garlic combined with fresh vegetables, beans, and aromatic spices, this soup is easily customizable by adding proteins, grains, or leafy greens. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it can be prepared in about 40 minutes and serves 6, making it a wholesome and comforting dish any day of the week.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups chopped vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, zucchini)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked beans or lentils
Spices
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions
- Proteins: shredded chicken, cooked ground beef, or tofu (quantity as desired)
- Vegetables: kale, spinach, or sweet potatoes (quantity as desired)
- Grains: rice, quinoa, or small pasta (quantity as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This forms the flavorful foundation of your soup.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the 2 cups of chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook these together with the onions and garlic for about 5 minutes to soften the vegetables and meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour in 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth and the entire can of 14 ounces of diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which helps to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Beans and Spices: Stir in 1 cup of cooked beans or lentils along with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients add protein, depth, and seasoning to your soup.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the soup uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the ingredients to soften further, making the soup hearty and delicious.
- Optional Additions: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add any optional proteins like shredded chicken, ground beef, or tofu; additional vegetables such as kale, spinach, or sweet potatoes; or grains like rice, quinoa, or small pasta. This customization lets you tailor the soup to your dietary preferences and needs.
Notes
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable broth and skip animal proteins.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference; add chili flakes for heat.
- Use cooked grains and proteins to ensure they do not overcook during the final 10-minute simmer.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To increase fiber content, add more beans, lentils, or leafy greens.
