Healthy & Cozy Vegetarian Soup Recipes to Try This Winter (2024)

Nothing says a cozy winter meal quite like warm homemade soup.

Even better than just any cozy winter soup, is a healthy vegetarian soup that everyone will enjoy! If you find yourself struggling to eat enough vegetables on a daily basis, you aren’t alone. According to recent research, only 10% of Americans are getting enough vegetables in their diet.

Soups loaded with nutritious vegetables are a great, easy way to increase your daily vegetable intake. Eating more vegetables has been shown to lower your risk for many health issues, as well as have a positive impact on your mental health.

The process of cooking your vegetables for soups can be an important way to nourish your body. Cooking vegetables can improve nutrient absorption by breaking down their tough cell walls and enhancing the ability of your body to absorb and utilize certain nutrients.

How to Make Healthy Vegetarian Soup Recipes

It would be easier to eat nutritious foods if you had unlimited time and resources, it’s true. Whether you’re in a season of life with children around or a family to cook for, or simply busy with work or other activities, making a healthy soup doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming.

Quick Tips for Making Soups Healthier

  • Chop vegetables ahead of time in batches
  • Utilize the freezer to store chopped vegetables to preserve freshness
  • Buy bagged and frozen vegetables
  • Use a slow cooker to let your soup cook throughout the day
  • Make extra soup to eat throughout the week, or freeze individual servings for later

Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs

The spices and herbs in your soups do more than just give amazing flavor to your meal. Spices and herbs have powerful medicinal and health benefits.

For example, garlic, basil, rosemary, and oregano are all antioxidants that can improve blood flow and overall brain function. Garlic is also great for boosting your immune system.

Black pepper and rosemary can both aid with digestion. Rosemary also has anti-inflammatory properties. These are just a few of the benefits of spices and herbs. Consider tailoring your recipes to use spices and herbs that your body needs.

Now, what you’ve been waiting for – the recipes!

3 Hearty & Healthy Vegetarian Soup Recipes

Healthy & Cozy Vegetarian Soup Recipes to Try This Winter (1)

Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe

This hearty and wholesome classic vegetable minestrone is satisfying and flavorful. Brimming with hearty vegetables, warm garlic, and tender pasta, this soup comes together easily. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day.

Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ cup finely chopped onion
    • 1 cup diced celery
    • 1 cup diced carrots
    • 1 diced zucchini
    • 3 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz.)
    • 6 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz.)
    • 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz.)
    • 1 cup ditalini pasta
    • Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

    1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally 4-5 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
    2. Add the zucchini, garlic, basil, salt, thyme, pepper, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring often.
    3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.
    4. Stir in the white beans, kidney beans, and pasta. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
    5. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Healthy & Cozy Vegetarian Soup Recipes to Try This Winter (2)

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Chili

This easy slow-cooker chili recipe is the ultimate comfort soup bursting with savory vegetables, protein-rich beans, and warm spices. You can prepare it earlier in the day, let it cook all day long, and it will be ready for you in the evening. It’s a wonderful dinner for a busy day.

Ingredients

1 cup diced onion

1 diced bell pepper

1 cup diced celery

1 cup diced carrots

1 clove crushed garlic

1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes (15 oz.)

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz.)

1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz.)

1 can tomato sauce (15 oz.)

1 cup vegetable broth

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Add the diced vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, beans, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and cocoa powder to a slow cooker and stir to combine.
  2. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
  3. Uncover, stir, and serve with your favorite garnishes.

Healthy & Cozy Vegetarian Soup Recipes to Try This Winter (3)

Lemon Wild Rice Soup

This lemon rice soup is a simple and filling vegetarian meal. The vitamin C-rich lemons give this soup a tangy zest. Along with the wonderfully bright and comforting flavor, one of the best parts about this soup is its simplicity. There’s nothing too fussy about the ingredients or preparation.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion chopped

2 carrots diced

2 celery stalks chopped

8 ounces chopped mushrooms

2 garlic cloves minced

½ teaspoon oregano

¼ teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 cup cooked wild rice

4 cups vegetable broth

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook wild rice, if needed.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring for 7-9 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add the garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, and stir, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked rice and lemon juice.
  6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley for serving.

Pair your vegetarian soups with a healthy salad for the perfect cozy winter meal.

Get Started Making Healthy Vegetarian Soups

These healthy vegetarian soup recipes are easy and family-friendly, using fresh vegetables and pantry staples. They’re adaptable, too. Try substituting different vegetables for ones you have on hand, that are in season, or vegetables that your family prefers.

There is an abundance of healthy vegetarian soup recipes out there. Find something new to try this week and enjoy a cozy meal at home, knowing you’re treating yourself right. Preparing yourself some cozy soup just might be a nice form of self-care this holiday season.

At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest-purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain-healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.

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Amy Huffmire

Amy Huffmire is passionate about helping individuals and families live their best lives through nutrition and fitness, as she has seen the positive effects these things have had in her own life. She loves to write in many forms and genres from children's stories to research articles. She has a BS in Business from Brigham Young University.

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Healthy & Cozy Vegetarian Soup Recipes to Try This Winter (2024)

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