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The Recipe · No.514 · Vegetable Soup

Vegetable Soup, and where to source it

Vegetable Soup — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Vegetable Soup American 5best2buy.com

Add the vegetables in stages by cook time so nothing turns to mush; hard roots first, quick greens last. Browning the tomato paste into the base is the small step that keeps the soup from tasting like boiled water.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook35 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Mixed vegetables
Carrots, celery, green beans, and zucchini; use whatever is freshest and firmest.
6 cups
Canned tomatoes
Diced tomatoes give the broth its backbone and color.
1 (14 oz) can
White beans
A can adds body and protein; dried heirloom beans cooked ahead are even better.
1.5 cups
Chicken bone broth
The base liquid; a real broth makes a light soup feel complete.
6 cups
Tomato paste
A spoonful browned into the base deepens the savor.
2 tbsp
Olive oil
For sweating the aromatics and finishing the bowl.
3 tbsp
Onion & garlic
The aromatic foundation.
1 onion, 3 cloves
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Sweat the baseCook the onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil over medium heat 8 minutes, add garlic, then brown the tomato paste for 2 minutes.
  2. Build the brothAdd the canned tomatoes and broth, bring to a simmer, and cook 10 minutes.
  3. Add in stagesAdd firmer vegetables first and simmer 8 minutes, then the quicker ones like zucchini and green beans for 6 more.
  4. FinishStir in the beans to warm through and season with salt and a hit of black pepper.
The Toolkit

Heavy pot · Chef knife · Cutting board · Wooden spoon · Ladle

Straight Answers
Can you make Vegetable Soup in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Vegetable Soup? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Vegetable Soup ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Vegetable Soup gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Vegetable Soup vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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