This vegetable rice soup recipe is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a healthy, hearty and delicious meal. A symphony of various veggies and brown rice in a flavorful broth, this soup is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Most ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in any kitchen. Yet, some ingredients like brown rice, bay leaves, thyme, and basil may not be readily available at home. These are essential to give the soup its unique flavor and texture. You might need to visit a supermarket to get these, ensure you get these fresh for the best results.
Ingredients for Vegetable Rice Soup
onion: To provide a savory base to the soup.
garlic cloves: For a fragrant, spicy kick.
diced tomatoes: Adds a sweet yet tangy flavor.
cabbage: Gives the soup a nice crunch and is packed with nutrients.
carrot: Adds sweetness and color to the soup.
green beans: They add a nice texture to the soup.
bell pepper: For a crunchy texture and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
broccoli: Packed with nutrients and gives a crunch to the soup.
beef broth: Provides the base for our soup and adds a rich flavor.
bay leaves: Gives the soup an aroma and depth of flavor.
thyme: Adds a subtle, slightly minty flavor to the soup.
basil: For a sweet, peppery flavor.
pepper: To season and add a bit of spice.
brown rice: Makes the soup hearty and adds a chewy texture.
One reader, Katharina Rutter says:
This vegetable rice soup recipe is a game-changer! The blend of fresh veggies and savory broth creates a comforting and flavorful dish. The addition of brown rice adds a hearty texture. It's a wholesome and satisfying meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Vegetable Rice Soup
How to sauté vegetables: Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, green beans, and cabbage in a large pot over medium heat until slightly softened.
How to simmer soup: After adding the bell peppers, undrained tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, thyme, basil, and pepper, simmer the soup for 6 to 7 minutes.
How to add rice to soup: Add the zucchini or broccoli and rice to the soup, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
How to remove bay leaves: After cooking, remove the bay leaves from the soup before serving.
How To Make Vegetable Rice Soup
Try out this filling rice soup packed with nutritious vegetables and a savory broth for dinner tonight! Cook this up in just under 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cuponion,chopped
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- small diced tomatoes,1 can, low sodium, with juice
- 1cupcabbage,chopped
- ¼cupcarrot,chopped
- ¼cupgreen beans,chopped
- ½cupbell pepper,chopped
- ¾cupbroccoli,chopped, or zucchini
- 5cupsbeef broth,low sodium
- 2bay leaves
- ½tspthyme
- ½tspbasil
- pepper,to taste
- 2cupsbrown rice,cooked
Instructions
-
In a large pot, cook the onion, garlic, carrots, beans and cabbage over medium heat until slightly softened.
-
Stir in the bell peppers, undrained tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, thyme, basil, and pepper.
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Simmer 6 to 7 minutes.
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Add in the zucchini or broccoli and rice, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
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Remove the bay leaves.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 416.00kcal
- Fat: 3.08g
- Saturated Fat: 0.67g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.08g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.99g
- Carbohydrates: 83.27g
- Fiber: 5.66g
- Sugar: 4.42g
- Protein: 14.56g
- Sodium: 614.84mg
- Calcium: 92.80mg
- Potassium: 1020.31mg
- Iron: 3.25mg
- Vitamin A: 103.22µg
- Vitamin C: 49.88mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Vegetable Rice Soup
When adding the brown rice to the soup, it's important to remember that it takes longer to cook than white rice. To ensure that all the ingredients are cooked perfectly, you can pre-cook the rice separately before adding it to the soup. This way, the rice will be tender and the vegetables will not be overcooked.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Vegetable Rice Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Consider using a pressure cooker or slow cooker to make the soup with minimal effort and cleanup.
Frozen veggies: Utilize frozen vegetables to save time on chopping and preparation without compromising on flavor.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of soup and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later on.
Kitchen tools: Invest in quality kitchen tools such as a food processor or mandoline to speed up the prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate touch to the soup.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor profile while being more convenient.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can add a rich and concentrated tomato flavor to the soup, while also providing a smoother texture.
cabbage - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for cabbage, offering a similar texture and adding a slightly earthy and hearty flavor to the soup.
carrot - Substitute with sweet potato: Sweet potatoes can provide a similar sweet and earthy flavor to the soup, while also adding a vibrant color and nutritional benefits.
green beans - Substitute with snap peas: Snap peas can be used as a substitute for green beans, offering a similar crisp texture and a slightly sweeter flavor to the soup.
bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers can provide a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, adding depth to the soup.
broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be used as a substitute for broccoli, offering a similar texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavor to the soup.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth, providing a savory base for the soup while catering to vegetarian preferences.
brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a substitute for brown rice, offering a nutty flavor and a slightly lighter texture to the soup.
Best Way to Present Vegetable Rice Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the vegetable rice soup, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the vegetables and rice. Ensure that the soup is neatly ladled into the bowl, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of elegance.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Enhance the presentation by delicately drizzling a swirl of olive oil on the surface of the soup. This not only adds a pop of flavor but also adds a sophisticated touch to the overall appearance.
Utilize complementary garnishes: Elevate the dish by adding a touch of sophistication with carefully placed garnishes. Consider adding a few thinly sliced radishes or a sprinkle of microgreens to add a burst of color and freshness to the presentation.
Focus on symmetry and balance: Pay attention to the placement of the elements in the bowl to create a sense of balance and harmony. Arrange the vegetables and rice in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each component is showcased thoughtfully.
Emphasize the bowl selection: Choose a beautiful, high-quality bowl that complements the colors of the soup and enhances the overall presentation. A carefully selected bowl can elevate the dining experience and leave a lasting impression on the judges.
Essential Tools for Making Vegetable Soup with Rice
- Large pot: A large, sturdy pot is essential for cooking the soup and allowing enough space for all the ingredients to simmer together.
- Cutting board: A cutting board is necessary for chopping and preparing the vegetables for the soup.
- Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is crucial for cutting and dicing the vegetables with precision.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the soup as it simmers, ensuring even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is important for the balance of flavors in the soup.
- Soup ladle: A soup ladle is essential for serving the vegetable rice soup, allowing for easy and controlled pouring into bowls.
Storing and Freezing Vegetable Rice Soup
- Allow the vegetable rice soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following tips:
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags to portion the soup into individual servings. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.
- Leave some headspace in the containers or bags to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- When freezing, the rice in the soup may absorb more liquid and become slightly softer upon thawing and reheating. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can freeze the soup without the rice and add freshly cooked rice when reheating.
- To thaw frozen vegetable rice soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.
- Reheat the thawed soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. You may need to add a little extra broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.
- Frozen vegetable rice soup will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months in the freezer, but it will still be safe to consume beyond that time.
How To Reheat Leftover Vegetable Rice Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover vegetable rice soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly reheated without overcooking the vegetables or rice.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover vegetable rice soup to a slow cooker and heat it on the low setting for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal if you want to reheat a large batch of soup without constantly monitoring it.
Add a splash of broth or water: if the leftover soup has thickened during storage, add a small amount of beef broth or water to help thin it out and restore its original consistency. This will also help prevent the soup from drying out or sticking to the bottom of the pot during reheating.
Adjust seasonings: after reheating the soup, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. The flavors may have mellowed or intensified during storage, so you may need to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or fresh herbs to brighten up the taste.
Interesting Fact About Vegetable Rice Soup
Brown rice is a whole grain that contains more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It is a great source of manganese, selenium, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and overall health. Additionally, brown rice has a lower glycemic index compared to white rice, making it a better option for managing blood sugar levels.
Is Making Vegetable Rice Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This vegetable rice soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With a variety of affordable vegetables and rice, it provides a nutritious and filling meal at a low cost. The use of beef broth adds depth of flavor without the need for expensive cuts of meat. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an economical choice. Overall, this recipe rates a solid 8 for its affordability and nutritional value.
Is Vegetable Rice Soup Healthy?
This vegetable rice soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. It contains a variety of vegetables, including onion, garlic, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, green beans, bell peppers, and broccoli, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The beef broth adds flavor and protein to the soup, while the brown rice provides complex carbohydrates and additional fiber. The herbs and spices, such as bay leaves, thyme, basil, and pepper, enhance the taste without adding extra calories or unhealthy ingredients.
However, there are a few ways to make this recipe even healthier:
- Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the soup
- Increase the proportion of vegetables to rice to boost the nutrient density and lower the calorie count per serving
- Consider adding lean protein sources, such as diced chicken breast or tofu, to increase the protein content and make the soup more satiating
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like rosemary, oregano, or cumin, to add variety and potential health benefits without relying on salt
By incorporating these suggestions, you can elevate this already healthy vegetable rice soup recipe to an even more nutritious and satisfying meal that supports overall well-being.
Editor's Opinion on This Vegetable Soup Recipe
This vegetable rice soup recipe is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines a variety of fresh vegetables with the heartiness of brown rice. The combination of flavors from the onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs creates a rich and comforting broth. The addition of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots adds a delightful crunch and color to the soup. The use of beef broth provides a robust base for the soup, and the brown rice adds a wholesome element. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal while incorporating a variety of healthy vegetables.
Enhance Your Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe:
This vegetable rice soup recipe is a wholesome and nutritious option for a comforting meal. The combination of fresh vegetables and hearty brown rice provides a satisfying and flavorful experience. The use of beef broth adds depth and richness to the soup, while the blend of thyme and basil infuses aromatic notes. The inclusion of garlic and onion enhances the savory profile, creating a well-balanced dish. Trust in the quality and freshness of the ingredients to deliver a delicious and nourishing soup that will surely delight your taste buds.
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