Winter Lunch Hearty Soup (Printable View)

A hearty bowl of seasonal vegetables and beans, perfect for a cozy winter lunch.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
06 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 small leek, cleaned and sliced
09 - 2 cups chopped kale or Swiss chard, stems removed

→ Broth & Legumes

10 - 6 cups vegetable broth
11 - 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
12 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

→ Spices & Seasoning

13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 bay leaf
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touch

17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
18 - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and parsnips. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in potatoes, garlic, and leek. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors.
03 - Pour in vegetable broth, add cannellini beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring mixture to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
05 - Add chopped kale or Swiss chard and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until greens are wilted.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour and tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
  • The combination of beans and seasonal vegetables makes it hearty enough to be a full meal without feeling heavy.
  • You probably already have most of these ingredients hiding in your pantry right now.
02 -
  • Don't add the greens until the very end or they'll turn into sad, colorless threads.
  • Tasting and adjusting seasoning at the end makes the difference between good soup and the kind people remember.
03 -
  • Cut your vegetables roughly the same size so everything cooks evenly and you're not fishing out pieces that are still hard while others have fallen apart.
  • Don't skip the step of rinsing the canned beans, that starchy liquid can make the soup taste a little off.

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