Cozy Bowl: Hearty Cream of Vegetable Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of creamy vegetable soup warm the soul on chilly evenings, offering a comforting embrace of hearty vegetables blended into a silky cream base.

This rich, nourishing cream of vegetable soup delivers layers of flavor that dance across your palate with each spoonful.

Seasonal vegetables mingle with aromatic herbs, creating a velvety texture that speaks to classic home cooking.

The recipe celebrates fresh produce, turning simple ingredients into a luxurious meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Perfectly balanced and surprisingly easy to prepare, this soup transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary dining experience.

You’ll savor every speckled, creamy bite that promises warmth and wholesome goodness.

Let’s whip up this delectable soup that turns ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable culinary moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need For Cream Of Vegetable Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that adds depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent, earthy kick that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Carrots: Introduces a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color to the soup.
• Celery: Contributes a light, fresh crunch and subtle herbal notes.

• Potato: Adds creamy texture and helps thicken the soup naturally.
• Broccoli: Brings nutritional powerhouse with a slightly nutty, green flavor.
• Cauliflower: Offers a mild, delicate taste and creates a smooth consistency when blended.
• Zucchini: Provides a light, fresh element and additional vegetable richness.

• Olive Oil or Butter: Creates a rich base for sautéing vegetables and adding depth.
• Broth: Provides the liquid foundation and brings all vegetable flavors together.
• Thyme: Introduces a subtle, earthy herb note that complements vegetable flavors.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a complex, slightly floral undertone to the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture and rounds out the soup's flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish with a clean herbal finish.
• Croutons: Adds a delightful crunch and textural contrast.

Tools For Making Cream Of Vegetable Soup Silky

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing and simmering vegetables with deep sides.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping all vegetables.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable cutting.
• Immersion blender: Perfect for pureeing soup directly in the pot.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate broth measurements.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving soup smoothly into bowls.
• Regular blender (optional): Alternative for blending soup if no immersion blender.

Steps To Cook Cream Of Vegetable Soup At Home

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat a large pot and swirl in some olive oil. Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced carrots with celery. Let these veggie buddies dance and soften, releasing their delicious aromas.

• Build the Veggie Symphony

Add a colorful mix of chopped potato, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini. Stir them around to mingle and create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

• Create the Liquid Magic

Pour in vegetable broth and sprinkle in thyme and a bay leaf. Bring the pot to a bubbly boil, then dial down the heat. Let everything simmer gently, allowing the vegetables to become tender and infuse the broth with incredible flavor.

• Transform into Creamy Goodness

Fish out the bay leaf. Grab an immersion blender and transform the soup into a silky smooth landscape. Want some texture? Blend only half the mixture for a rustic feel.

• Finish with Luxurious Touch

Swirl in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Warm gently without letting it boil, maintaining that perfect, velvety consistency.

• Serve with Style

Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, add some crunchy croutons, or dust with Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor punch.

Tips To Change Up Cream Of Vegetable Soup Flavors

• Soup Perfection Secrets: A Flavor-Packed Guide
• Veggie Versatility: Swap seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or bell peppers to create unique flavor profiles and keep the soup exciting.
• Texture Mastery: Control soup consistency by adjusting blending technique – partially blend for rustic chunks or fully puree for silky smoothness.
• Dairy-Free Magic: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk, almond cream, or cashew cream for a plant-based alternative that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Protein Power Boost: Enhance nutritional value by stirring in cooked chicken, white beans, or tofu after blending for a more substantial meal.
• Spice Symphony: Elevate flavor complexity by adding a pinch of smoked paprika, curry powder, or nutmeg during sautéing for unexpected depth and warmth.

Serving Ideas For Cream Of Vegetable Soup Bowls

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this soup in deep ceramic mugs or rustic bowls to enhance the warm, homey feeling of this creamy vegetable blend.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with grilled chicken strips, crispy bacon bits, or roasted shredded turkey to transform it into a hearty main course.
• Crunch Factor: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds, homemade croutons, or crispy fried onions on top to add delightful texture and elevate the soup's taste profile.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Finish with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar, tangy goat cheese, or freshly grated Parmesan to create a rich, indulgent experience.

Cream Of Vegetable Soup Storage Instructions

• Soup Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezing Technique: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of additional broth if soup seems too thick. Never boil, which can separate cream and diminish smooth consistency.
• Smart Portion Planning: Consider preparing double batch and dividing into single-serving containers. Perfect for quick lunches or unexpected meal needs. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.

Hearty Cream Of Vegetable Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy comfort arrives with this classic cream of vegetable soup, blending seasonal produce into a smooth, hearty dish. Home cooks discover a simple method for crafting a nourishing meal that warms and satisfies with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 tbsps olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Croutons or toasted bread
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Foundational Flavor: In a large pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil or butter over medium heat until translucent and aromatic.
2. Vegetable Layer: Add chopped carrots and celery, cooking until vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness, then incorporate cubed potato, broccoli florets, cauliflower pieces, and zucchini.
3. Liquid Infusion: Pour vegetable broth over the vegetable mixture, introducing fresh thyme and a bay leaf to enhance the soup’s herbaceous depth.
4. Simmering Process: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered, allowing vegetables to tenderize and flavors to harmonize until all vegetables reach optimal softness.
5. Textural Transformation: Remove bay leaf and puree the soup using an immersion blender or standard blender, creating a smooth or partially chunky consistency based on preference.
6. Finishing Touch: Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, gently warming without boiling to preserve the delicate flavor profile.
7. Presentation: Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, crisp croutons, or delicate Parmesan cheese shavings for an elegant final flourish.

Notes

• Sauté with Care: Gently cook onions and garlic until translucent to build a rich flavor base without burning, which can create bitter undertones.
• Vegetable Texture Matters: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Blending Technique: Use an immersion blender for easier clean-up and more control over soup consistency, stopping when you reach your desired smoothness or chunkiness.
• Cream Addition Trick: Add cream off the heat to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, smooth texture in the final soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg