If you’ve ever been in the mood for something hearty yet light, nourishing yet easy to prepare, Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup is the perfect go-to recipe. This comforting classic is packed with an array of vibrant vegetables, making it a delicious and healthy option for any time of year. Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl for lunch, dinner, or as a starter to a larger meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
What’s great about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile and suitable for various dietary needs-vegetarian, vegan (with a few swaps), and even gluten-free (again, with some simple adjustments). It’s the kind of dish you can throw together when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want something rich in flavor and nutritional value.
Now, let’s dive into the heart of this recipe. We’ll explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, the science behind some of the key elements, tips for perfecting your soup, and even ways to customize the recipe. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, you’ll find something valuable here!
Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup Recipe
Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup. It’s comforting, full of flavor, and easily customizable to suit your tastes. You can tweak it based on what’s in your pantry or to highlight your favorite veggies. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, making it a great foundation for any of your creative soup endeavors.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of vegetable soup is that you can mix and match based on what you have in your kitchen. However, this recipe uses some staple ingredients for that comforting, savory flavor that makes Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup a family favorite.
- Vegetable Broth (4 cups): This forms the base of your soup and gives it a rich, savory flavor. You can opt for a low-sodium version to control your salt intake.
- Carrots (2 large, diced): Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
- Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and cubed): Adds a starchy, filling element that makes the soup heartier.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Adds freshness and a slight crunch to balance out the soft veggies.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Enhances the flavor base with its savory, aromatic qualities.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides a deeper flavor and richness, making the soup more fragrant.
- Green Beans (1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces): A nice touch of texture and color.
- Corn (1 cup, frozen or fresh): Adds a slight sweetness and a different texture from the other vegetables.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): These provide acidity, depth, and a rich base to the soup. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer.
- Herbs (1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 bay leaf): These fragrant herbs give the soup its signature herbal notes.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, and to taste.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing the veggies to unlock deeper flavors before adding the broth.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have everything ready, let’s jump into the cooking process. The steps are straightforward, and you’ll find that the entire process is beginner-friendly yet yields incredible results. Here’s how you can make Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup:
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Prep The Ingredients
- Start by peeling and dicing your carrots and potatoes, chopping the celery and onion, and mincing the garlic.
- If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and cut them into small 1-inch pieces.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and become fragrant.
- This step is crucial because it helps develop the soup’s base flavor, so don’t rush through it.
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Add The Broth And Seasonings
- Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the diced potatoes, green beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Toss in your dried herbs: thyme, basil, and bay leaf. Stir everything to combine.
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Simmer The Soup
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Stir occasionally to ensure everything is cooking evenly.
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Season And Serve
- Taste the soup, then add salt and pepper to your liking. You can also adjust the seasoning at this point, adding a little extra thyme or basil if you want a more herbaceous flavor.
- Once the soup is perfectly seasoned and the vegetables are soft, remove the bay leaf.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Now, let’s dive deeper into why certain ingredients in this soup work so well together from a scientific perspective:
- Vegetable Broth: The key to a rich, flavorful base is the broth. It carries the essence of all the vegetables used in the soup and absorbs the spices and seasonings, turning it into a hearty, savory liquid. The broth also helps to break down the starches in the potatoes and release their natural sweetness, which balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Carrots and Potatoes: These two root vegetables are starch-heavy and naturally sweet. The heat from the simmering soup softens the starches in both, giving the soup a creamy texture without needing to add any dairy.
- Celery and Green Beans: Both of these veggies add texture contrast, with celery bringing a crispness and green beans contributing a slight chewiness. They’re both water-rich, so they also help to create a light broth while adding freshness.
- Herbs and Garlic: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme and basil are packed with antioxidants and essential oils that help develop complex flavors as they infuse into the broth. Garlic, on the other hand, provides allicin, a compound that gives it its signature aromatic flavor and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Expert Tips
- Do not skip the sautéing step: While it may be tempting to just throw everything into the pot, sautéing the veggies first really helps to unlock the flavors and make the soup more aromatic.
- Use a combination of fresh and dried herbs: Fresh thyme, basil, or even parsley can enhance the soup’s flavor at the end of the cooking process. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs work just fine but use them sparingly as they’re more concentrated.
- Balance your salt: If you use store-bought vegetable broth, be mindful of how much additional salt you add, as most store-bought broths are already salted. Taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Make it ahead: Soups like this actually taste better the next day once the flavors have had time to marinate. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
While this Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup is delicious as is, there are endless ways to customize it. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add Protein: For a heartier version, add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas, cannellini beans, or kidney beans. You can also stir in some cooked quinoa or rice.
- Switch the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of one particular vegetable, feel free to swap it out. Leeks can be a great alternative to onions, and zucchini can replace potatoes for a lighter version.
- Spicy Kick: For some heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. A dash of hot sauce at the end also works well.
- Vegan Version: Ensure the broth is vegan and substitute olive oil for a plant-based butter if you want a richer flavor.
Final Words
There’s something magical about a big pot of homemade soup. It has the power to warm you up, comfort you after a long day, and make you feel nourished inside and out. Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup is one of those recipes that delivers on all fronts. It’s customizable, easy to make, and packed with goodness.
Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or experiment with different flavors, this recipe will become one of your kitchen staples. Plus, making your own vegetable soup from scratch means you can control exactly what goes into it, ensuring it’s as healthy as possible.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup?
The main ingredients for Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup include a variety of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, peas, corn, and tomatoes. You will also need vegetable broth, Campbell’s condensed vegetarian vegetable soup, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and herbs like basil or thyme.
Can I Make Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup From Scratch?
Yes, you can make a homemade version of Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup by using fresh vegetables, vegetable broth, and seasonings. You would cook the vegetables in the broth, then blend the soup or leave it chunky, depending on your texture preference. Campbell’s condensed soup can also be used as a shortcut for convenience.
How Can I Make Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup Spicier?
To add spice to your soup, try incorporating ingredients like chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. You can also add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder to give it a more robust heat.
Is Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup Gluten-free?
Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup, as traditionally prepared, is typically gluten-free. However, always check the label for any potential gluten-containing ingredients, as formulations can change. If you’re making it from scratch, you can ensure it’s gluten-free by using certified gluten-free vegetable broth and other ingredients.
Can I Freeze Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup?
Yes, Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup can be frozen. To do so, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When reheating, ensure the soup is thoroughly heated, as freezing may alter the texture of some vegetables.
What Are Some Variations Of The Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup Recipe?
You can customize Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup by adding or removing vegetables based on personal preference. Some variations include adding beans like kidney beans or chickpeas, using different types of broth (e.g., miso or tomato), or incorporating pasta or quinoa for additional texture and heartiness.
Can I Add Protein To Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup?
Yes, you can add protein to Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup by incorporating vegetarian options like tofu, tempeh, beans (such as white beans or chickpeas), or lentils. These will not only boost the protein content but also add more texture to the soup.
How Do I Make Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup Creamier?
To make the soup creamier, you can blend part of the soup after it’s cooked, or add cream or coconut milk. Alternatively, pureed vegetables like cauliflower or potatoes can create a smoother texture without dairy.
Is Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup Suitable For A Vegan Diet?
The original Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup recipe typically contains dairy or non-vegan ingredients, so it’s not strictly vegan. However, you can make a vegan version by using plant-based broth and avoiding any non-vegan ingredients such as cream or dairy-based seasonings.
How Long Can I Store Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup In The Fridge?
Campbell’s Vegetarian Vegetable Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is a better option.