Independence Vegetable Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, slow-simmered soup featuring seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs. This american-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs medium carrots, celery stalks, medium zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice carrots, celery, and zucchini into 1/2-inch cubes. Sauté in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
  2. Step 2: Add potatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in fresh thyme and dried basil. Cook uncovered for 5 more minutes until flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Independence Vegetable Soup take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Independence Vegetable Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Independence Vegetable Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Independence Vegetable Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Independence Vegetable Soup vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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