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Delicious easy family soup recipe for nutritious family dinners

Easy Family Soup

This comforting vegetable soup, perfect for family meals, is quick and easy to prepare, made with fresh ingredients, and can be customized with chicken or noodles for added heartiness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the soup base
  • 4 cups good-quality vegetable broth Use low-sodium if you prefer control over salt.
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (olive or avocado) Optional but helps develop flavor.
For the aromatic vegetables
  • 1 cup finely chopped onions About 1 medium onion. Yellow or sweet onions work well.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Add more if you like garlic-forward flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped.
For the classic mirepoix
  • 1 cup diced carrots About 2 medium carrots, peeled or well-scrubbed.
  • 1 cup diced celery About 2 stalks, include leaves if tender.
For the extra vegetables and optional substance
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables of your choice Green beans, peas, or fresh spinach all shine here.
  • 1-2 cups cooked shredded chicken Optional for added protein.
  • 1-2 cups cooked noodles Optional to make it more filling.
For seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently for 3–5 minutes until translucent.
Building Flavor
  1. Stir in diced carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until edges are softened.
  2. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and add dried thyme and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Simmering
  1. Let the soup simmer for about 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving
  1. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs, olive oil, or grated cheese, as desired.

Notes

Use separate bowls for cooked noodles if storing leftovers. Add fresh greens near the end of cooking to preserve color and texture.