Simple Soup Recipe from Scratch

Name: Simple Soup Recipe from Scratch
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making soup from scratch because it's a comforting way to bring warmth into my home. There's something truly magical about simmering ingredients together, releasing their flavors and creating a rich, hearty dish. This Simple Soup Recipe is a go-to for me, especially during chilly evenings. The best part is that it's incredibly versatile; you can tailor it to what you have in your pantry. You'll see how easy and enjoyable it is to whip up a delicious homemade soup in just a short time!

Created by

Callista Green

Last updated on 2026-01-20T03:34:12.472Z

When I first started making soup from scratch, I was amazed at how one pot could create a dish so rich in flavor with just a few simple ingredients. Each batch is a unique expression of what I have available, whether it’s leftover veggies or a fresh herb I need to use. I learned that the secret is to sauté the aromatics first – this really builds a flavor foundation.

Over the years, I've experimented with different spices, and adding a splash of vinegar at the end truly elevates the soup’s taste. It brightens up the flavor, balancing the richness perfectly. Remember, the longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors meld together!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients
Warm and comforting, perfect for any season
Highly customizable to suit your taste

      

Cooking Techniques for Extra Flavor

One of the key techniques to enhance your soup's flavor is to properly sauté your aromatics. Start with medium heat to allow the onions, carrots, and celery to sweat gently, releasing their natural sugars and flavors. Look for the vegetables to become translucent and slightly softened—about 5 minutes should do it. Adding the minced garlic in the last minute of this step prevents it from burning and becoming bitter, ensuring a sweet, fragrant base for your soup.

If you're looking to deepen the soup’s flavor even further, consider deglazing the pot after sautéing the vegetables. After adding the broth and tomatoes, scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor and will contribute to the overall richness of your soup.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

While this soup features a classic combination of vegetables, feel free to get creative with what you have on hand. For instance, you can substitute the carrots with sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile or use zucchini instead of celery for a different texture. Just remember that root vegetables typically take longer to become tender, so adjust your cooking times accordingly if you make such substitutions.

The fresh spinach adds not only color but vital nutrients to your soup. If you're using frozen spinach, add it a little earlier in the cooking process since it requires a bit more time to break down. Alternatively, if you don't have spinach on hand, kale or Swiss chard can be excellent, hardy substitutes that hold up well in soup.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious homemade soup:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach

Feel free to modify these ingredients based on your pantry and preferences!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your soup:

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help deepen the flavors of your soup.

Finish with Spinach

About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Your homemade soup is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a bay leaf during the simmering process. Don’t forget to remove it before serving! You can also toss in any leftover beans or pasta for added heartiness.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Making this soup in advance is an excellent way to save time during busy weekdays. Once fully cooked, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Just reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.

If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, transfer the soup to the fridge to thaw overnight—or for a quicker option, reheat it from frozen in a pot over low heat, adding more liquid as needed.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve your soup warm with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a satisfying meal. For added richness, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavors without overpowering them. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a burst of freshness right before serving.

To turn this Simple Soup into a complete meal, consider adding protein such as cooked chicken, beans, or lentils. If you opt for beans, drain and rinse a can before adding them close to the end of the cooking time to warm through. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also makes the soup heartier and more filling.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables in this soup?

Yes! Frozen vegetables are a great shortcut. Add them in during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

→ How can I store leftover soup?

Cool it completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add for protein?

Consider adding cooked chicken or beans to make the soup more filling.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and check your canned tomatoes for additives, this recipe is gluten-free.