Description
This easy and hearty Busy Day Soup is a quick, flavorful, and customizable meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, protein, and beans or lentils, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Add your favorite grains or leafy greens to make it even more nourishing!
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 (for customization):
- Proteins: Shredded chicken, cooked ground beef, or tofu
- Vegetables: Kale, spinach, or sweet potatoes
- Grains: Rice, quinoa, or small pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, zucchini) and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and the diced tomatoes, bringing to a gentle boil.
- Add Beans and Spices: Stir in beans or lentils, followed by thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Optional Additions: Add proteins, grains, or leafy greens in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Notes
- Flavor Tip: Let the soup simmer longer for a more developed flavor.
- Customization Tip: Add your favorite proteins and veggies to make this soup suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg