Creamy Vegetable Soup
Intro
This Creamy Vegetable Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl — silky yet hearty, full of colorful vegetables, and rich in flavor. The blend of tender carrots, potatoes, and seasonal greens simmered in a creamy broth creates a soup that feels both comforting and nourishing. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or even as a make-ahead lunch. Best of all, it’s endlessly adaptable — you can swap in your favorite vegetables, make it vegetarian, or add a protein boost with chicken or beans.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–27 minutes
Total Time: ~37 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4–5)
2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup chopped broccoli or cauliflower florets
1 small zucchini, diced
1 cup frozen peas
3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
½ cup heavy cream (optional for richer flavor)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions with Timing
Sauté the Vegetables (8 minutes)
In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter (or heat the oil).
Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in potatoes, broccoli/cauliflower, and zucchini, cooking another 3 minutes.
Add Broth and Simmer (15 minutes)
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
Slowly pour in the broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
Add thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Make it Creamy (5 minutes)
Stir in milk and heavy cream.
If you like a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to blend until silky.
If you like a chunkier texture, leave it as is.
Finish and Serve (3–4 minutes)
Add frozen peas and cook for 3 minutes until tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
For a richer flavor, sauté vegetables in a mix of butter and olive oil.
Swap in sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
Use coconut milk instead of dairy cream for a delicious vegan option.
This soup thickens as it cools — thin with extra broth when reheating if needed.
Serving Suggestion
Serve with crusty bread, cheesy toast, or a side salad for a satisfying meal. This soup is also great for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day.