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One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

Name: One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium white onion, chopped; 3 medium carrots, chopped; 4 stalks celery, chopped; ½ cup frozen corn; 1 cup frozen peas; 3 tbsp nutritional yeast; 4 cups vegetable broth; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour); ⅓ cup dairy-free butter; 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (e.g., soy milk); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ½ tsp fresh rosemary

In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, finding the time to cook healthy meals can feel daunting. Thankfully, the One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is here to save the day. This cozy, nourishing dish not only warms your heart but also packs a punch of flavor and nutrition, making it the perfect choice for any day of the week. Picture yourself savoring a steaming bowl of this rich, velvety soup on a chilly evening while caught up in a good book or sharing laughs with loved ones. This recipe is about to become your go-to for comfort food.

Why Make This Recipe

It’s a complete meal packed with vibrant vegetables and creamy goodness.
The one-pot method saves time on cleanup, letting you enjoy your meal without the stress.
Perfect for meal prepping, it’s easy to store and reheat, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Why make this soup? Because everyone deserves a delightful culinary embrace that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to consume.

Easy Method for One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

Creating the perfect One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is not just about the final product; it’s about the joy of cooking and the layers of flavors you build throughout the process. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to this delightful dish.

Ingredients

Before we get into the cooking, let’s gather our stars for this show—the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium white onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
½ cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen peas
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
4 cups vegetable broth
⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
⅓ cup dairy-free butter
1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (e.g., soy milk)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp fresh rosemary

With these ingredients in hand, we are ready to embark on a flavorful journey.

Getting Started with Our Vegetable Prep

The very first step to making our wonderful One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is to prepare all of our ingredients. This is known as "mise en place" in the culinary world, and it truly makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Take your time to peel and finely dice the yellow onion. Next, move on to your carrots and celery, dicing them into consistent ½-inch pieces. For the potatoes, you’ll want to peel them and chop them into slightly larger ¾-inch cubes, as they will cook down a bit. Feel free to add in a core-cut and diced red bell pepper; they will add a splash of color and sweetness to the dish. Lastly, mince the garlic cloves and lay everything out. Having everything ready to go will allow you to glide effortlessly through the cooking steps and build the layers of flavor that eschew in our One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup. Remember, consistency in dicing helps everything cook evenly for a perfectly-textured soup.

Building the Aromatic Foundation

Now that our ingredients are prepped, let’s get cooking! Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Since this is our "one pot" for this delicious creation, ensure it’s big enough to hold all that vegetable goodness. Add the olive oil and dairy-free butter to the pot. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.

These three ingredients, often known as a "mirepoix," are the cornerstone of many savory dishes, including our One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup. Sauté them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and the onions are translucent. We’re not looking for browning here; just a gentle softening to release their sweet, earthy flavors. This initial sautéing step is crucial for developing a deep flavor base.

Infusing the Spices and Garlic

Once your mirepoix is tender, it’s time to introduce our aromatic garlic and spices. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir continuously for about 1 minute, enjoying the fragrant burst as the spices bloom in the hot oil. This process unlocks their full flavor potential, ensuring that every spoonful of our One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is packed with delicious warmth.

Do keep an eye on the garlic; it can turn bitter if burned. The gentle sizzle and inviting aroma signal that everything is coming together beautifully.

Introducing the Potatoes and Broth

Next, add your diced potatoes and the diced red bell pepper to the pot. Give everything a good stir, combining those wonderful aromatics and spices with the new vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

This simmering phase is essential for cooking the harder vegetables and allowing all flavors to meld together wonderfully. The potatoes will absorb some of the broth, becoming soft and creamy, which is exactly what we desire for our comforting One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup. Patience here pays off in terms of texture and taste.

Creating Our Creamy Base

This is where our One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup truly earns its ‘creamy’ title! While the potatoes are simmering, prepare our thickening agent. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with ½ cup of the dairy-free milk until no lumps remain. This creates a smooth slurry that will prevent your soup from becoming lumpy.

Once the potatoes are tender, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Pour the remaining 1½ cups of milk into the soup, stirring gently. Slowly pour in the flour and milk slurry, whisking constantly as you add it to prevent clumping. Continue to stir the soup over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes until it has visibly thickened to your desired consistency. The soup will become wonderfully rich and velvety, and this thickening step is vital for that luxurious mouthfeel we’re aiming for.

Adding the Final Fresh Vegetables

With our soup now beautifully thickened, it’s time for the quick-cooking vegetables. Add the frozen corn kernels, frozen green peas, and the fresh baby spinach (or chopped kale) to the pot. Stir gently until the frozen vegetables are heated through and the spinach has wilted completely. This step usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Adding these last veggies at the very end ensures they retain their vibrant color, fresh texture, and nutritional value. Overcooking would lead to a mushy result, which we want to avoid in our vibrant One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup. If using kale, allow a couple of extra minutes for it to soften.

The Grand Finale: Seasoning and Serving

Almost there! Now is the time to taste your magnificent One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup and adjust the seasonings. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you want to take it up a notch, consider stirring in a small pinch of nutmeg for added creaminess without being overtly noticeable. The amount of salt needed often depends on how salty your vegetable broth is, so taste and adjust gradually. Remember, it’s easier to add more salt than to take it away!

Once seasoned to perfection, ladle your hearty, creamy vegetable soup into bowls. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, and savor every spoonful of this incredibly flavorful and comforting dish. Our One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is perfect for a cozy night in, a quick weekday meal, or even for meal prepping throughout the week. Enjoy!

Best Way to Store One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

To keep this delicious soup at its best, follow these storage recommendations:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days at 40°F.
Freeze: Soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gradually on the stovetop or in a microwave.
Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore creaminess. If needed, add a little extra dairy-free milk to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions for One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

This One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are a few ideas to enhance your meal experience:

Rustic Bread: Pair with warm, crusty sourdough or any artisan bread for a heartier meal.
Crackers: Serve with a selection of gourmet crackers for a light yet fulfilling snack.
Salad: Complement your soup with a fresh garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
Cheese Toasties: For a more indulgent touch, prepare a cheese toastie on the side for dipping.

Alternatively, you can even pour the soup over pasta or grains, transforming it into a unique dish. The options are almost limitless!

Tips to Make One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup

Keep your broth high-quality: Using a great vegetable broth elevates the soup’s flavor dramatically.
Mind your heat: Once the soup is simmering, keep it on low to avoid overcooking the vegetables.
Add fresh herbs: If available, using fresh herbs can add freshness that dried herbs can’t quite match.
Texture matters: If you prefer a smoother soup, simply blend part or all of it after the cooking process before adding the final vegetables.

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to switch things up, consider trying these simple variations:

Different Veggies: Swap in different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on what is seasonal or fresh at your market.
Protein Boost: Add some beans or lentils for a heartier soup to increase its protein content; chickpeas work particularly well!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also top each bowl with fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.

Q: Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
A: Of course! For a non-vegetarian option, using chicken broth will add extra depth of flavor. Just make sure to adjust any seasoning accordingly.

With these tips, tricks, and insights fully laid out, you now have all the pieces necessary to create your own version of the One Pot Creamy Vegetable Soup, ensuring a delightful culinary adventure awaits. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor a bowl of this comforting goodness. Your kitchen—and your taste buds—will thank you!