Save A bowl of Parmesan Veggie Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any season. This hearty dish combines a rainbow of fresh vegetables with the deep, savory essence of Italian cheese, creating a broth that is both light and incredibly satisfying. Whether you are looking for a nutritious lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers a rich flavor profile that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Save The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. By sautéing aromatic onions and garlic before adding the fresh produce, you build layers of flavor that only get better as the soup simmers. The addition of the Parmesan rind is a classic Italian technique that transforms a standard vegetable broth into something truly extraordinary.
Ingredients
- Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 can (400 g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Dairy & Cheese
- 75 g (about 3/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional, for extra flavor)
- Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 2
- Add carrots, celery, zucchini, potato, and green beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- Step 3
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Add the Parmesan rind if using.
- Step 4
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Step 5
- Remove the Parmesan rind. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and soup is creamy.
- Step 6
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 7
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
If you have a Parmesan rind on hand, do not skip adding it to the broth. It infuses the soup with a savory depth that grated cheese alone cannot match. Just remember to fish it out before serving!
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a heartier meal, stir in 1/2 cup of cooked small pasta or a can of rinsed beans during the final 10 minutes of cooking. To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the cheese with a plant-based Parmesan alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Serviervorschläge
This soup is best served piping hot with a side of crusty Italian bread for dipping. Garnish each bowl with a final dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley to brighten the flavors.
Save Enjoy this wholesome Parmesan Veggie Soup whenever you need a boost of nutrition and flavor. It stores well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for meal prep throughout the week.
Common Questions
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors have time to meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- → What vegetables work best in this soup?
The recipe calls for classic soup vegetables: carrots, celery, zucchini, potato, and green beans. Feel free to substitute based on what you have—butternut squash, spinach, kale, or bell peppers all work beautifully.
- → Is the Parmesan rind necessary?
Not strictly necessary, but highly recommended. The rind slowly releases savory, umami flavor as it simmers, creating a deeper, more complex broth. Many cheese counters sell rinds separately, or save yours from wedges of Parmesan.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Note that potatoes may become slightly grainy after freezing—if possible, add potatoes fresh when reheating.
- → How can I make this vegan?
Use a high-quality plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. The soup will still be delicious and comforting without dairy.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread or garlic bread is classic. For a lighter option, serve with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic. Grilled cheese sandwiches also pair wonderfully.