Description
Busy Day Soup is a quick, comforting meal that’s perfect for hectic days. With a mix of vegetables, beans, and savory broth, this easy one-pot soup is hearty, flavorful, and customizable. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s ideal for lunch or dinner and is packed with nutrition and taste. Whether you’re looking for a filling soup for a busy night or meal prep, this simple recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, diced
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2 carrots, peeled and chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or white beans, drained and rinsed
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4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
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1 cup frozen corn
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 bay leaf (optional)
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1 cup pasta (optional, such as elbow macaroni or small shells)
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Soup Base:
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Heat the Olive Oil:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. -
Add the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. -
Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and kidney beans (or white beans). Stir to combine. -
Season the Soup:
Add the dried basil, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf (if using). Bring the soup to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the Final Ingredients:
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Add the Corn and Pasta:
If you’re using pasta, add it to the pot along with the frozen corn. Stir and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the soup is heated through. -
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or herbs.
Serve:
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Garnish and Enjoy:
Remove the bay leaf (if used). Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Add Meat:Just sauté the meat with the onions and vegetables in the first step. For a heartier soup, you can add cooked chicken, ground beef, Just sauté the meat with the onions and vegetables in the first step.Add Greens: Stir in some spinach, kale, or other leafy greens for added nutrition.Use Different Beans: Swap the kidney beans for black beans, garbanzo beans, or any other beans you prefer.Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
