This recipe is perfect for tasty Mediterranean dinners that won’t stress you out! Think fresh veggies, hearty grains, and yummy proteins all in one dish.
Honestly, I love how colorful and healthy it is! Plus, it’s great for those nights when you want something yummy but quick to whip up. Who doesn’t want that?
With simple ingredients and bright flavors, this dish makes me feel like I’m on a sunny vacation. Serve it with some crusty bread and enjoy the feast! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for flavor and healthy fats. If you don’t have it, avocado oil or even canola oil are good alternatives. I love using olive oil for its taste and aroma.
Vegetables: Use onion, carrots, and celery as a classic base. Don’t have carrots? Try parsnips or even sweet potatoes. Celery can be replaced with bell peppers for extra crunch. Play around with veggies you enjoy!
Vegetable Broth: This adds depth to the soup. If you want a low-sodium option, go for homemade or low-sodium broth. You can also use water with added herbs for a lighter version.
Pinto Beans: These give protein and creaminess. You can substitute with black beans or kidney beans if you prefer. Chickpeas also work wonders in this soup!
Fresh Spinach: Spinach wilts perfectly in this soup. If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can use kale or frozen spinach—just add it earlier to let it thaw.
How Do You Ensure Your Vegetables Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the vegetables right is key for a delicious soup. Start by softening onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil. This gives the base lots of flavor.
- Set your heat to medium and add the chopped veggies. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they’re soft.
- Add garlic and cauliflower next, cooking for 2-3 more minutes until fragrant. This will elevate the soup’s aroma.
- When simmering, check that the vegetables are tender. This ensures a tasty blend where all the ingredients shine.
After adding spinach, cook just until it wilts. Overcooking can make it mushy! Following these steps will help maintain vibrant color and flavor in your vegetable soup.
How to Make Easy Mediterranean Vegetable Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing your ingredients and around 30 minutes cooking the soup. So, in total, expect to take about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a healthy and satisfying dish that cooks up quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and slightly translucent. This will create a delicious base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Cauliflower:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cauliflower florets. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the cauliflower starts to soften. The aroma will be wonderful!
3. Combine Remaining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add more ingredients! Stir in the diced green bell pepper, the entire can of diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, and the drained pinto beans. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Let the soup simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender. You can check if the veggies are done by poking them with a fork; they should be easy to pierce.
5. Add Spinach:
Just a few minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it wilts. It will add a lovely color and freshness to your soup!
6. Taste and Serve:
Give your soup a taste! Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Once everything is perfect, serve your delicious soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your hearty Mediterranean meal!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, kale, or even sweet potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on how tender the vegetables need to be.
How Do I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian! To make it vegan, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Also, check that the vegetable broth is free from any animal products.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion as it freezes!
