United States Vegetable Soup with Global Herbs
A celebration of America's diverse population, featuring vegetables from multiple cultural backgrounds simmered with aromatic herbs. Reflects the 2020 Census's emphasis on ethnic diversity. This american-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs carrots, celery, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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.
Ingredients
- 3 medium, sliced 1/4-inch thick carrots
- 2 stalks, sliced 1/4-inch thick celery
- 1, diced red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced zucchini
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add carrots and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until slightly softened—do not brown.
- Step 2: Add red bell pepper and zucchini, stirring to combine. Cook for 3 more minutes until vegetables release moisture.
- Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant—do not let it burn.
- Step 4: Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), basil, oregano, thyme, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender but still hold shape—test with a fork.
- Step 6: Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does United States Vegetable Soup with Global Herbs 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 United States Vegetable Soup with Global Herbs?
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 carrots from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in United States Vegetable Soup with Global Herbs?
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 United States Vegetable Soup with Global Herbs 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 United States Vegetable Soup with Global Herbs 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
