Save Last January, after weeks of holiday indulgence left me feeling sluggish, I craved something that would make me feel alive again without deprivation. I grabbed every colorful vegetable from my crisper drawer and let them simmer into what became this stunning pot of soup. My roommate walked in, caught a whiff of the herbs, and asked if Id secretly taken up cooking at a spa. The first spoonful convinced us both that eating clean could actually taste extraordinary.
My mother was recovering from surgery and needed something nourishing but gentle on her system. I brought over a mason jar of this soup, still warm, and watched her face light up at the rainbow of colors swimming in the broth. She told me it was the first thing in weeks that made her feel truly cared for from the inside out.
Ingredients
- Beetroot: The deep red earthiness becomes the foundation and gives the soup its stunning jewel tones
- Carrots: Natural sweetness balances the broth and pairs perfectly with the beet
- Courgette (zucchini): Adds bulk without heaviness and soaks up all the herb flavors
- Tomatoes: Provide acidity that brightens every single spoonful
- Green bell pepper: Contributes fresh crunch and a grassy note that cuts through root vegetables
- Red onion: Milder than yellow onion and adds beautiful color to the base
- Garlic: Two cloves give just enough background warmth without overwhelming delicate vegetables
- Vegetable broth: Low sodium lets you control seasoning and keeps the focus on fresh produce
- Fresh parsley: Bright and peppery, it lifts the entire dish
- Fresh dill: Adds a distinctive fresh flavor that makes this soup memorable
- Fresh basil: The sweet anise notes tie all the herbs together beautifully
- Black pepper: Essential for waking up all the subtle vegetable flavors
- Sea salt: Enhances natural sweetness of the vegetables
- Olive oil: Creates a silky mouthfeel and helps your body absorb nutrients
- Lemon juice: The acid at the end makes all flavors pop and balances the sweetness
Instructions
- Build the flavor foundation:
- Warm olive oil in your largest soup pot over medium heat, then add red onion and garlic, letting them soften until your kitchen smells amazing
- Start the hearty vegetables:
- Add beetroot and carrots, giving them a head start with five minutes to begin softening
- Add the remaining vegetables:
- Toss in courgette, tomatoes, and green bell pepper, cooking everything together briefly
- Create the soup base:
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring it to a boil before lowering to a gentle simmer
- Let it develop:
- Cover the pot and simmer for twenty to twenty five minutes until vegetables are perfectly tender
- Finish with fresh herbs:
- Stir in parsley, dill, basil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then taste and adjust
Save This soup has become my go to whenever friends are feeling under the weather or just need a reset. Something about the vibrant colors and nurturing quality makes it feel like medicine in the best possible way.
Make It Your Own
Ive learned that adding a cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas transforms this from a starter into a complete protein rich meal. The legumes absorb the herbed broth beautifully while adding substance that keeps you satisfied for hours.
Texture Options
My husband prefers a smoother soup, so I sometimes immersion blend half the pot before serving. You get the velvety body he loves while keeping all the chunky vegetable pieces I crave.
Serving Suggestions
A slice of toasted whole grain bread rubbed with raw garlic turns this into a restaurant worthy meal. The bread soaks up that gorgeous broth and becomes the perfect vehicle for every last spoonful.
- Keep dried herbs on hand for emergencies but remember to use half the amount
- Double the recipe and freeze portion sized containers for quick healthy lunches
- Top with a drizzle of good olive oil and extra fresh herbs just before serving
Save There is something deeply satisfying about sitting down to a bowl of soup that looks as beautiful as it makes you feel. Hope this becomes your reset button too.
Recipe Guide
- → What vegetables are in this colorful soup?
This soup features beetroot, carrots, courgette, tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, and garlic for a rainbow of nutritious vegetables.
- → How long does it take to make?
The total time is 50 minutes - 20 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking the vegetables until tender.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
Yes, this is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and restrictions.
- → Can I add protein to this soup?
Absolutely! You can add cooked lentils or chickpeas for extra protein, making it even more filling and nutritious.
- → Can I make this soup smoother in texture?
Yes, you can blend part of the soup before serving for a creamier texture while still maintaining some vegetable chunks.
- → What herbs work best in this soup?
Fresh parsley, dill, and basil provide excellent flavor. If using dried herbs instead, reduce the quantities by half.