This Weight Loss Soup is a tasty and light option full of colorful veggies and herbs. It warms you up while being low in calories, making it a perfect meal for keeping fit!
Cooking this soup feels like a cozy hug. I love making a big batch and enjoying it all week. Plus, who doesn’t like a little extra help in the weight loss department? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds heart-healthy fats and flavor to the soup. If you’re looking for lower calories, you can use vegetable broth instead to sauté the veggies.
Onion: Diced onions create a foundational flavor. If you’re sensitive to onions, feel free to substitute with leeks or shallots, which provide a milder taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the aroma. In a pinch, garlic powder can work, but I prefer fresh for the best flavor!
Vegetables: This soup is flexible! Swap out zucchini with bell peppers or use more green beans instead. Other veggies like spinach or kale also work well.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes give a nice base to the soup. If you’re out, use fresh tomatoes—just dice them up—and add a bit of extra broth.
How Do I Ensure All My Vegetables Are Cooked Perfectly?
Getting tender veggies is crucial in this soup! Start by cooking the onions and garlic well; they form the flavor base. Then, add harder veggies first, like carrots and celery, as they take longer to soften.
- Cook onions for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Continue cooking for 5 minutes so they soften up.
- Next, toss in the zucchini and green beans, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Finally, add mushrooms and cabbage, if you’re using it, and let it cook down until everything is tender and flavorful!
How to Make Weight Loss Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetable Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cabbage, chopped (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious weight loss soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, totaling about 40 minutes. A quick and healthy option for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
In a large pot, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and smells sweet. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
2. Adding More Veggies:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook this mixture for another 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to start softening, which will make your soup so tasty.
3. More Ingredients, More Flavor:
Add in the diced zucchini, green beans, mushrooms, and the optional chopped cabbage if you’re using it. Cook these veggies for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure everything is getting cooked evenly.
4. Mixing in the Broth:
Now it’s time to pour the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the broth into the pot. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir to mix everything together.
5. Simmering the Soup:
Bring the soup up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. You want the veggies to become tender and infused with all the wonderful flavors.
6. Final Touches:
After simmering, take a taste! Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Your soup should be bursting with flavor!
7. Serving Your Soup:
Serve the weight loss soup hot, garnished with some fresh chopped parsley on top. Enjoy this hearty, healthy soup as a satisfying meal any time of the day!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables or those you have on hand. Some great options include bell peppers, spinach, or sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the vegetables you choose!
How to Make This Soup Heartier?
If you’re looking to make this soup more filling, consider adding a cup of cooked quinoa, lentils, or beans. These additions will enhance the fiber content and provide a protein boost while still keeping it healthy!
Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers, where it can last up to 3 months. Remember to leave some space in the container for expansion when freezing!
How to Reheat Leftover Soup?
The best way to reheat this soup is on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave; just make sure to heat it in intervals and stir between to ensure even warming.
