As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of rustic autumn vegetable soup to warm your soul. This hearty, comforting soup is not only a delicious way to embrace the flavors of the season but also a celebration of the bountiful harvest that autumn brings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating a soul-satisfying soup that captures the essence of fall. So, grab your apron and let’s embark on a culinary journey through the autumnal orchards and fields.
Ingredients
For this rustic autumn vegetable soup, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 cups of diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of kale, chopped
- 1 cup of white beans (canned or cooked)
- 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Veggies: Start by chopping and preparing all your vegetables. It’s important to have everything ready before you begin cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Add the Base Vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, parsnip, sweet potato, and butternut squash. Let them cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes and give everything a good stir. This adds a delightful acidity to balance the sweetness of the root vegetables.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, along with the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. These herbs will infuse your soup with a rich, earthy flavor.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the root vegetables are tender.
- Add the Greens: Stir in the kale, white beans, green beans, and corn. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring all the vegetables are cooked through.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve with a Twist: Ladle the rustic autumn vegetable soup into bowls. If you desire, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Variations
- Creamy Twist: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender, or transfer some to a regular blender and puree it until smooth. Then, mix it back with the chunky soup for a creamy-textured variation.
- Protein Boost: Add some cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage to make this soup even heartier and protein-packed.
- Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your individual serving.
Tips
- Use seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and freshness.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preferences or what’s available at your local market.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried ones, but use a larger quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
- Make a big batch and freeze individual servings for easy, quick meals throughout the fall and winter.
As we bid farewell to the warm embrace of summer and welcome the golden hues of autumn, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a bowl of rustic autumn vegetable soup. This recipe is a testament to the beauty and abundance of the harvest season, bringing together a medley of vibrant vegetables in a harmonious symphony of flavors. Whether you savor it alone or share it with loved ones, this hearty soup is a reminder that good food has the power to comfort, nourish, and create cherished memories. So, as the leaves fall and the air grows chilly, cozy up with a bowl of this soup and let it fill your heart with the warmth of autumn.
