Best Vegetable Soup Recipe

You mentioned that you don't have time to make stock. I know that you have an instant pot, though. That makes stock-making easy and fast. Once you try homemade stock, you'll never want to go back to cubes or paste. There's no salt or chemical taste. I keep bones from chickens (when I roast a whole one) and the leafy ends of celery, carrot ends and peels -washed, of course- and onion ends in a freezer bag until I have enough to fill the insert of the instant pot. Add water to the pressure cook line, a couple bay leaves and peppercorns and whatever seasonings you like, then pressure cook for 2 hours. When it's done, strain it with a mesh strainer into another big pot and refrigerate. When it's cold, it will become jelly, and the fat will all float to the top and become a solid. Skim it off and you have delicious liquid gold. I freeze mine in 2 or 4 cup amounts in freezer bags and use as needed in any soup recipe. You can do the same with any kind of bones, or with just any clean vegetable scraps. You don't even need to defrost the ingredients that you've saved up, just throw them in the instant pot. I have always made stock on the stove top, but it's a days long process that requires constant supervision. It is so much faster in the instant pot, and doesn't need babysitting. And with the keep warm feature, you could put the stuff in before bed, (or work) and let it do it's thing, then strain and refrigerate when you get home. One last thing... If you save all of the bones from the Turkey breasts that you cook for your family, then make stock from them, you will be able to make the absolute best Thanksgiving Turkey gravy you have ever had!

Bittytux

Yes, what Bittytux said! Making stock in the instant pot is the best! I also keep Ziploc bags of bones and vegetable scraps in the freezer until I have enough for stock. Then I keep the stock in the freezer until I need it. Of course, in the real world, I still need to use the occasional box of pre-made stuff from the store, but only as a last resort. (I throw a little Apple cider vinegar in the IP when I cook my bones. It helps leech some of the minerals out of them.)

ACE

I agree with bittytux & ACE! I even made bone broth in the crock pot last week because I was using the other pot for something else. I freeze it in 1 cup containers, then remove them from the containers & put the frozen broth into freezer bags. They seem to take up less space that way. I've been using Better Than Bouillon for years! I think it's a little salty, too, so I try to be careful. Everyone always asks me why my turkey gravy is always so good--a little bit of chicken Better Than Bouillon is my secret!

Lita

I’ve been using Better than Bouillon but haven’t tried the vegetable base. It’s a little pricey for a small jar in a regular grocery store but I’ve found it at Costco for a lot less. It seems to keep for a long time if the jar is well sealed.

Lyressa

Have been using Better than Bouillion for years in soups. I buy the low sodium version at Costco. Beef, chicken and Vegetable, all good. Thanks for the soup recipes! Love your blog!

Ronnie

i use the better than bouillon all the time. i keep multiple flavors in my fridge. its a little pricey up front, but if your buying cartons or cans, its cheaper in the long run. one jar makes well over 30 cups of stock

laura beaulieu

I too hbeen using Better than Bouillion for years in soups, rice, gravies, beans etc. I use the low sodium version at Costco. I have only tried the chicken and vegetable. I would like to hear more on your personal quest to lower your cholesterol. Mine stays pretty low but my husband’s tend to run high and keeps increasing as we get older. I’ve been making changes in meal planning. Thanks for your blog, always enjoy reading

Mary Beth Matson

I have used Better Than Bouillion for years, BUT I use the organic Beef and Chicken. Those two make cooking so much easier and flavorful . . . .and less guilty

anne

I’ve been using Better Than Bouillon for years also. I use the No Chicken (vegan), Beefless (vegan) and the Vegetable and their newest -Garlic. I like them all and think they make the best stock short of homemade. The soup recipe looks great. I think I’ll throw in some chickpeas or beans for a bit more protein and a satisfying dinner.

Pat

BTB ''no chicken'' chicken is a favorite of mine for many years now. The quick broth with a grated carrot and pastina during flu season has been a life-savor. I use it in almost every homemade soup. Sometimes just a cup of broth with a sandwich is just right. Your veg soup looks delicious, I do a similar one with barley and mushrooms.

BarbL

I use BtB often, it's a nice flavor boost and if you use it sparingly you can control the sodium well. Even when I'm making my own stock (no IP here, just do it on the stove) I add a dab of BtB to it to boost the flavor. Why not, it's concentrated 'good stuff'. Also-- this type of veg soup is fabulous and because it's all vegetables, you can add a little grated parmesan to your individual bowl to enhance the flavor even more without adding a ton of calories and very little fat.

Laur

I use Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken paste all the time. There in NO MSG. It is natural and delicious. So much flavor, I use it when I make my enchilada sauce from scratch. Homemade broth takes a lot of time and I think BTB is better. It is condensed from long cooking times. They have pork, vegetarian, seafood, mushroom and lot of other bouillon tastes.

IFortuna

BTW, peas, beans and green beans have a lot of carbs for those of you watching your carb intake.

IFortuna

Wow, I made this using the collards in the garden and in the slow cooker. Added cooked beans (garbanzos on hand) for some protein. Tasty and thanks!

Jane

I would like to ask about paragraph three I think...it says to stem green pepper. I’m not a terrible good cook. I don’t know what that means. I’m going to make it because I think it fits into the nutrisystem plan for the most part.

I am also wondering if you could make this with your instant pot. (Just got one) I am definitely going to make broth in it! Thanks for the information!!! Every ounce of it helps me!

Henny

Henny, It just means take the stem out.

Good luck! Hope your soup turns out well.

I had never heard of Better Than Bullion, btw.

Martha

Have used BtB lots. I buy it at Costco. In thinking of switching to homemade and then freezing.

I make three gallons of veggie soup at a time. I buy at least one bag each of about any vegetable at supermarket - edamame, lima beans, green beans, edamame, broccoli, peas, brussel sprouts, diced tomatoes, beans etc. Chop up whatever I have in refrigerator fresh - carrots, celery, red peppers, turnips, rutebagas, potatoes, etc.

I don't use leafy greens. They might get slimy and I those other ways.

I almost always have a quart defrosting and a quart ready to eat in refrigerator. Rest in freezer. Easy, good, healthy.

suible

Thank you for helping me!!!

Henny

This soups sounds like a great quick veggie soup, that I would love. I use Better Than Bouillon too, and love it. Although I do make my own stock and buy Simply Nature organic stock from Aldi's that is really great! MY QUESTION. You mention that this is one Free Style point - is that the the Smart Points, and is it because the 5.9 g of sugar come from the veggies and no added sugar?

Bette

I also use BTB but the mushroom version is so amazing. It adds so much depth of flavour , try it!!

Jean

I have used Better than Bouillon ever since a chef recommended it at a cooking class. Like you, I want to control the sodium and this is just the product. When I do make my own stock I freeze it in mason jars. That way I don't have the expense or the recycling issues of plastic bags. The mason jars go right in my dishwasher and our no more work than a plastic bag, and much more Earth friendly.

Carol Rossi

I also use BTB and like to dollop mine onto a piece of parchment and freeze it. Then I just put them into a bag and can pluck one out of the freezer when I need it. Don’t have to worry about using it all up before the expiration date that way.

Charma Harrison

After reading all the comments I am going to have to try the BTB! I have never tried it, I always use the vegetable stock in cartons from Aldis or Harris Teeters. I assumed it would be like boullion which I find to be way too salty for my taste so have avoided it but I will give it a try after reading all the positive reviews! Happy and Safe New Year to everyone!!

laxmom16

I just started using "Better than Buillon, but it is salty; by accident I purchased the low sodium kind. It is very concentrated so a little bit goes a long way. I used for gravy on turkey and especially, in my "garbage soup!" It is very convenient when you don't have broth. I got it on sale so I bought garlic, beef & chicken. My store didn't have vegetable;

Basically, any homemade soup is 'good for what ails you!'

Carole

How long does this keep in the fridge?

Nancy

If you leave out the corn, peas and potatoes (peas are high in carbs and corn and potatoes have starch) you have a good diet cleansing soup. When I make it, I can eat as much as I want. Also, even though broccoli is nutritious, it overpowers the soup and everything tastes like broccoli so I leave it out and fix it as a side. Just some suggestions.

IFortuna

I love better than boullion and have been using it for years. I too save my vegetable scrapes in the freezer and make my own broth. Whoever said green beans are high in carbs needs to recheck their info....One cup cooked green beans only has 10 carbs and about 4 grams of fiber.

Heidi

Happy New Year to all! Thanks for the recipe - looks great, nutritious, and not heavy in the tummy! I also use BTB, bought at Costco. I use varied amounts depending on the recipe, also monitoring the sodium (I don't look to use too much sodium in anything). I agree that it goes a long way. For me, it's better than the jugs of broth.

Dolores

Yes, my mistake

IFortuna

If you see my most recent posting, I listed potatoes, corn and peas (not green beans) having carbs or starch. I love onions even though they have 4.7 g of sugar per medium bulb. I put them in most of my soups, stews, sauces, etc.

IFortuna

I always use BTB and never feel guilty . . . the ORGANIC one.

anne

Thank you "snack girl" again you have a winner. Also to all of you above,wonderful "tid bits" wonderful suggestions, just in time for this cool weather. Healthy, healthy, & enjoyable for all. Blessings of good Health, & be safe. Annette

Annette ★★★★★

THANK YOU SNACK GIRL & ALL OF YOU ABOVE. I HAVE NEVER KEPT THE TURKEY BONE TO MAKE "TURKEY SOUP". I AM INSPIRED BY ALL OF YOU TO TRY THIS. HAVE A VERY BLESSED & SAFE "THANKSGIVING" ANNETTE

Annette Giordano

Herb Ox makes sodium-free bouillon. And Vons packaged no-salt chicken broth is tasty.

Flo ★★★★

Yup! I leave out the broccoli and use Better Than Bouillon flavor Roasted Chicken. I use it for a lot of things including sauces.

Susan MacFarland ★★★★★

Lovely soup! Better Than Bouillon a staple in our home too! Just a few added notes to the homemade broth. If you IP 6 hours your bones will release more flavor. I use 3, 2 hour sessions just to check on the water level and give it all a stir. After straining bones and veggies, I restrain in a cheesecloth to remove any bone fragments. Then I pressure can it in jars if I don’t need it right away. Longer shelf life than freezing and more concentrated.

Kim

i love celery

Michael Sterling

I do make my own vegetable broth. I call it trash broth because it's made from all the vegetable parts that I've discarded until I get a bag full in the freezer. If I don't have enough broth for cooking then I'm not eating enough veggies. I season it with bay leaves and spices that I haven't used recently (aka trash spices). I use everything but the outside papery skin of the onion and potato skins. If I peel carrots they go in my stock bag. I've even used the discarded corn cobs after they've been eaten. Why not? I boil my stock for 20 minutes and strain out the broth before putting the "trash" in the compost bin for it's final contribution to my garden.

Debra

Check the labels on bouillon. Some have more sodium than you would think. We need to go low sodium here. Herb ox makes sodium free beef and chicken granulated bouillon. 8 packets cost less than $2!! I use chicken or beef bouillon and frozen vegetables to make vegetable soup. Add onions and green peppers for more interest and I have a very nice soup.

Susan

Can this be frozen?

Sue

Giving a shout-out to Snack-Girl's Hot and Sour Soup! It has lots of mushrooms; I usually use a 6-8 green onions, 8 oz mushrooms, sometimes throw in peas and carrots. it's a totally flexible recipe!

Robin

I love this recipe!!! Thank you for reposting it. I think I’ll make enough to freeze some…..

Jennie

Love this recipe and will continue to make it often this winter.

Susan ★★★★★

I've used Better than BOuillion for years and love the conveniance and taste.

BONNIE