Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 6 oz can tomato paste
4 cups vegetable broth
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 cup canned kidney beans or beans of your choice, drained and rinsed
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes to taste
Optional for garnish: parmesan cheese, chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the chopped zucchini, green beans, and beans to the pot. Stir to combine, and bring the soup back to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with breadsticks or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
For a vegan version, omit the parmesan cheese.
Feel free to add more vegetables such as spinach, kale, or potatoes for a heartier soup.
Frozen vegetables can be used as a substitute for fresh ones, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
The soup can be made in a slow cooker—just sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook the rest on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
