Save When the air turns crisp and you crave something that warms you from the inside out, this Parmesan Veggie Soup is the answer. It is a hearty, comforting vegetable soup enriched with the savory depth of Parmesan cheese, making it perfect for a cozy meal at any time of the week. This dish combines the freshness of garden vegetables with the rich, umami notes of Italian cheese for a truly satisfying experience.
Save This Italian-inspired soup relies on a colorful medley of carrots, celery, zucchini, and potatoes, all simmered together in a flavorful vegetable broth. The secret to its creamy texture and complex flavor lies in the addition of grated Parmesan, which melts beautifully into the broth, creating a soup that feels indulgent yet remains wholesome and light.
Ingredients
- 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
- 75 g (about 3/4 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional, for extra flavor)
- 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
To get the most flavor out of your soup, don't skip the Parmesan rind if you have one available. Simmering the rind in the broth adds an extra layer of savory richness that makes the base taste like it has been cooking for hours. If you don't have a rind, simply stirring in the freshly grated Parmesan at the end will still provide a delicious creaminess.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a heartier version of this soup, you can add 1/2 cup of cooked small pasta or a can of beans during the last 10 minutes of simmering. If you are cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based Parmesan alternative or simply omitting the cheese entirely while keeping the delicious vegetable base.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this soup hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory broth. A final garnish of freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving will add a pop of color and a fresh finish to every bowl.
Save Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a nutritious lunch, this Parmesan Veggie Soup is sure to become a household favorite. With its easy preparation and deep, satisfying flavors, it's a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create a truly memorable meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → What vegetables work best in this soup?
Carrots, celery, zucchini, potatoes, and green beans form the classic base, but you can add spinach, kale, or bell peppers based on what's in season or your pantry.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, adding fresh Parmesan when reheating for the best texture.
- → What if I don't have a Parmesan rind?
Simply increase the amount of grated Parmesan or add an extra tablespoon to compensate. The rind provides subtle depth, but freshly grated cheese still delivers rich flavor.
- → How do I make this dairy-free?
Use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative made from cashews and nutritional yeast. The soup remains delicious without dairy, focusing on the vegetable medley.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, though the cheese texture may change slightly. Freeze without the final Parmesan addition, then stir in fresh cheese when reheating for the best consistency.
- → What should I serve with this?
Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad complement the hearty flavors perfectly. Grilled cheese makes for an especially comforting pairing.