There’s something magic about a big pot of soup simmering on the stovetop. The aroma that fills your kitchen can transport you right back to cozy childhood memories—perhaps it’s the sound of rain tapping against the window while a warm bowl of goodness awaits. Today, I’m excited to share a personal favorite with you—a recipe I fondly call Busy Day Soup. It’s simple, hearty, and bursting with flavors, making it the perfect choice for those days when life gets, well, a little too busy.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Busy Day Soup isn’t just another quick meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Picture this: a medley of fresh veggies mingling with savory broth, kissed by robust garlic and aromatic herbs. This soup stands out not only for its comforting flavors but also for its nutritious punch. Packed with beans for a protein boost, vibrant vegetables for essential vitamins, and a lovely Italian seasoning that elevates the dish to a culinary hug, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen.
Plus, have I mentioned it’s incredibly versatile? This soup is your canvas—it can adapt to what’s in your pantry or what you’re craving. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or you need a speedy meal before heading out, this recipe makes cooking feel effortless and rewarding. Once you try it, you’ll understand why I’ve turned to it time and again.
Gather these ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) beans (e.g., kidney or cannellini), drained and rinsed
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s break these down a bit! The olive oil serves as that luscious base, letting flavors bloom as we sauté our aromatics. The onion, with its magical ability to sweeten and caramelize, pairs beautifully with the carrots and celery, adding depth to our soup. Then comes garlic—truly, is there anything better? Its fragrant nature takes it to another level.
Now, for the liquid gold: vegetable broth—it transforms everything. The diced tomatoes bring a juicy punch, while the beans not only add creaminess but also deliver that hearty satisfaction. And let’s not forget the frozen mixed vegetables—they’re a real lifesaver, offering convenience without skimping on nutrition. Lastly, those Italian seasonings are like a passport to a sunny Italian villa!
The cooking process explained
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. If you want a little sneak peek into flavor-building, toss in a tiny pinch of Italian seasoning as the oil heats—trust me, your kitchen will smell incredible!
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes. You’re looking for that slight golden color on the onions. It’s where the magic begins!
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it release its fragrant charms for another minute—don’t wander off! This is important. Garlic can go from fragrant to burnt quicker than you’d think.
- Now, pour in your vegetable broth. Add in the diced tomatoes, beans, frozen veggies, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Let all those ingredients come together in a delightful embrace.
- Turn up the heat until the soup comes to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Let it bubble away for 15-20 minutes. It’s during this time that the flavors meld beautifully—don’t rush it!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Ah, it’s time to serve!
Best way to enjoy it
When it’s soup time, I love to dish it into big bowls and serve with a side of crusty bread—perfect for dipping! If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil adds a gorgeous touch. Pair it with a crisp salad, and you have yourself a well-rounded meal that feels warm and indulgent—a true banquet on a busy day!
Storage and reheating tips
After savoring your soup, you might wonder about leftovers. Fret not! This soup stores beautifully. Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last up to four days in the fridge. If you’re keen on meal prep, freeze it in individual portions. Just be sure to leave a little breathing room in the container for expansion—nobody likes a spilled soup explosion in the freezer!
When it’s time for a cozy meal again, simply reheat it in a pot over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Just add a splash of broth or water to refresh it if it thickens.
Helpful cooking tips
Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust your seasoning based on what you enjoy. Want a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes can spice things up! Also, the longer this soup sits, the better it tastes—like a fine wine, it matures beautifully. So if you plan on making it ahead, you’re in for a treat.
Creative Twists
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients! Swap out the beans for chickpeas or lentils for a different texture. Carrots can be replaced with sweet potatoes, and if you have fresh veggies on hand, toss them in too! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten everything up if you’re feeling adventurous.
Ingredients list
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) beans (e.g., kidney or cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth along with diced tomatoes, beans, frozen vegetables, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Common questions
- How long does it take to prep? About 10-15 minutes is all you need to chop and prep!
- Can I use chicken broth instead? Absolutely! Chicken broth will add a different flavor profile, making it a bit heartier.
- Is this recipe vegan? Yes! This soup is entirely plant-based but still incredibly satisfying.
- What kind of beans can I use? Kidney beans and cannellini beans work beautifully, but feel free to explore black beans or pinto beans as well.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Just sauté the aromatics first, then throw everything in the slow cooker for a few hours on low.
This Busy Day Soup has saved me on countless occasions—whenever life gets a little hectic, a warm bowl of this beauty reminds me to slow down and savor each moment. It’s not only a delicious comfort food, but it also nourishes the soul, filling you up with wholesome, hearty goodness.
I can’t wait for you to try this out! Bring your own twist to it, share with your loved ones, and dive into the delightful world of soup-making. Happy cooking, my friend!
Quick and Easy Busy Day Soup
Description
Busy Day Soup is a simple yet delicious soup filled with fresh veggies and robust flavors. It's a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
Preparation Instructions
Cooking Steps
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.Look for a slight golden color on the onions.
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Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.Be cautious not to burn the garlic.
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Pour in vegetable broth along with diced tomatoes, beans, frozen vegetables, and Italian seasoning.
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Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.Let the flavors meld beautifully.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 10g40%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 12g24%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 40 mg
- Calcium 70 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 30 mcg
- Thiamin 0.5 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
- Folate 100 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 150 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 50 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 5 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
