Description
Busy Day Soup is the ultimate comfort food for hectic days! With its hearty mix of vegetables, spices, and optional protein additions, it’s a flexible, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you stick with the basic ingredients or customize with chicken, tofu, quinoa, or greens, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups chopped vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, zucchini)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked beans or lentils
- Spices:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Additions:
- Proteins: Shredded chicken, cooked ground beef, or tofu
- Vegetables: Kale, spinach, or sweet potatoes
- Grains: Rice, quinoa, or small pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes, bringing to a gentle boil.
- Add Beans and Spices: Stir in beans or lentils along with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Optional Additions: Add proteins, grains, or leafy greens in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Notes
- Start with Aromatics: Sauté onions and garlic first for a more flavorful base.
- Layer Your Flavors: Adding the spices early in the cooking process helps build a deeper flavor profile.
- Don’t Rush: Let the soup simmer long enough to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0mg