Spring Vegetable Soup With Lemon
Highlighted under: Healthy Table Favorites
I love welcoming spring into my kitchen with this vibrant and refreshing Spring Vegetable Soup With Lemon. The medley of seasonal vegetables paired with the zesty brightness of lemon creates a delightful balance that’s hard to resist. This soup is not only quick to prepare, but it's packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for light lunches or dinner. I've found that the fresh herbs elevate the flavor, and it's a fantastic way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge.
Creating this Spring Vegetable Soup was a delightful experience that reminded me of the joys of seasonal ingredients. I started by visiting a local farmer's market where I was inspired by the fresh produce on display—vibrant asparagus, tender peas, and fragrant herbs. Using these ingredients, I crafted a soup that bursts with flavor, and I realized that a touch of lemon is what brings it all together.
One of my favorite tips is to sauté the vegetables gently to retain their crunch while allowing their natural sweetness to shine. The addition of lemon juice just before serving adds a bright finish that transforms this simple soup into something extraordinary. Give it a try; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how easy and delicious it is!
What You'll Love
- Fresh, vibrant flavors bursting with seasonal goodness
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- Lemon adds a refreshing twist to classic vegetable soup
Maximizing Freshness
To ensure that your Spring Vegetable Soup is bursting with freshness, opt for seasonal vegetables when possible. Asparagus and peas reach their peak during spring, providing tender textures and vibrant flavors. When choosing your vegetables, look for bright colors and firm textures. If you're using frozen peas, they will still work perfectly—just remember to add them towards the end of cooking to retain their sweet flavor.
I recommend chopping your vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking. Not only will this help with presentation, but it also guarantees that they cook at the same rate. Aim for pieces around half an inch; this allows them to become tender in the 15-minute simmer without losing their freshness.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you're planning to make this soup ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy. A splash of water or broth can help maintain the soup’s consistency, as the vegetables may absorb some of the liquid while stored.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or even ice cube trays for easy access later. It will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, adding a little extra broth if necessary to recapture its original texture.
Ingredients
Gather fresh ingredients for this delicious soup!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Make sure all your vegetables are fresh for the best flavor!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your soup!
Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Add Asparagus and Peas
Add the chopped asparagus and peas to the pot, stirring to combine. Sauté for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
Simmer the Soup
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Finish and Serve
Stir in the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your homemade soup warm or store leftovers for later!
Pro Tips
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Variations to Explore
Feel free to customize your Spring Vegetable Soup with other seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or even tender young potatoes can be fantastic additions. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; for instance, zucchini needs only about 2-3 minutes to become tender, while potatoes might require a few extra minutes of simmering before they soften.
For added protein, consider incorporating beans such as cannellini or chickpeas. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through. This will not only make the soup heartier but also ups the nutrient content, making it a well-rounded meal.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is beautifully complemented by a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a side salad filled with spring greens. If you're looking to enhance the flavor even further, drizzling a bit of high-quality olive oil or adding grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving can take it to the next level.
For a unique twist, consider serving the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl, which adds rustic charm and a delightful flavor as the bread absorbs the broth. Don’t forget to garnish generously with fresh parsley; not only does it offer a pop of color, but it also brightens the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.
→ How long will leftovers last?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
→ Can I add protein to this soup?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken or white beans would be great additions.
→ Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free vegetable broth, this soup is gluten-free.
Spring Vegetable Soup With Lemon
I love welcoming spring into my kitchen with this vibrant and refreshing Spring Vegetable Soup With Lemon. The medley of seasonal vegetables paired with the zesty brightness of lemon creates a delightful balance that’s hard to resist. This soup is not only quick to prepare, but it's packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for light lunches or dinner. I've found that the fresh herbs elevate the flavor, and it's a fantastic way to use up any leftover veggies in your fridge.
Created by: Georgia Lane
Recipe Type: Healthy Table Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Add the chopped asparagus and peas to the pot, stirring to combine. Sauté for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 5g