Summer’s warmth and bounty of produce may fade as fall approaches, but there’s a comforting dish that perfectly bridges the seasons: vegetable soup. Inspired by the hearty, home-style cooking of The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, this vegetable soup recipe is destined to become a family favorite. Just like Ree’s recipes, this soup is all about simple ingredients, big flavors, and satisfying comfort in a bowl.
Soup, in its essence, is a culinary hug. Whether it’s a vibrant tomato soup or a robust beef stew, a well-made soup nourishes both body and soul. Vegetable soup, often seen as a humble dish, can be elevated to something truly special with the right approach. Taking cues from The Pioneer Woman’s signature style – think generous portions and down-to-earth deliciousness – this recipe focuses on creating a vegetable soup that is both wholesome and deeply flavorful.
What sets this Pioneer Woman-inspired vegetable soup apart? It’s all about building layers of flavor from simple beginnings. We start with a classic mirepoix of carrots, celery, and onions, the aromatic base for countless comforting dishes. These vegetables are gently sautéed to sweeten and soften, creating a foundation of savory goodness. Garlic, a staple in Ree Drummond’s recipes, is added to infuse warmth and depth. Italian seasoning provides that familiar, cozy flavor profile often found in Pioneer Woman’s cooking, hinting at Italian-American comfort food.
To make this vegetable soup truly hearty and satisfying, we incorporate a medley of vegetables. Beyond the mirepoix, consider adding diced potatoes for creaminess, green beans for freshness, corn for sweetness, and perhaps even some zucchini or peas depending on your preference and seasonal availability. The beauty of vegetable soup lies in its adaptability – feel free to use what you have on hand and tailor it to your family’s tastes.
For the broth, opt for a good quality vegetable broth or chicken broth for a richer flavor. Simmering the vegetables in the broth allows them to release their flavors and meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious and comforting soup. A secret tip inspired by Ree’s resourceful cooking? Add a Parmesan rind while simmering the broth. Just like in her chicken tortellini soup, a Parmesan rind (if you have one saved) adds a subtle umami depth that elevates the entire soup. Remember to remove it before serving!
Key Ingredients for a Pioneer Woman Inspired Vegetable Soup
- Mirepoix: Carrots, celery, and onion – the flavor foundation.
- Garlic: For aromatic warmth.
- Italian Seasoning: The classic comfort food touch.
- Hearty Vegetables: Potatoes, green beans, corn, zucchini, peas, etc. – choose your favorites and what’s in season.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid base.
- Optional Parmesan Rind: For added umami depth.
- Fresh Parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
Making It Your Own: Vegetable Soup Variations
Just like The Pioneer Woman encourages creativity in the kitchen, feel free to adapt this vegetable soup recipe to your liking.
- Add Beans: For extra protein and heartiness, stir in cannellini beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas.
- Boost the Greens: Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can be added towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients and vibrant color.
- Pasta or Grains: For a more substantial soup, add small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo, or grains like quinoa or barley.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle kick.
- Lemon Brightness: Just like Ree adds lemon to her chicken tortellini soup, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors of this vegetable soup.
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Pioneer Woman Inspired Vegetable Soup Recipe
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Optional: Parmesan rind
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 8 minutes. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and bring to a boil. Add diced potatoes and Parmesan rind (if using). Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are almost tender.
- Add green beans and corn. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender. Remove Parmesan rind before serving.
- Stir in fresh parsley. Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Vegetable Soup:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Don’t skip the sautéing step! It builds a deeper flavor base for the soup.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer gently to let the flavors meld and deepen. The longer it simmers (within reason, without overcooking the vegetables), the more flavorful it will become.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, finishing touch. Other herbs like thyme or basil would also be delicious.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout the cooking process.
This Pioneer Woman-inspired vegetable soup is more than just a simple meal; it’s a comforting and nourishing dish perfect for any time of year. Embrace the spirit of Ree Drummond’s cooking and gather your family around a warm bowl of this delicious homemade soup. Enjoy!
