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hearty soup for comfort

Chunky Vegetable Soup

This hearty chunky vegetable soup celebrates texture with perfectly tender vegetables swimming in a savory broth. Each spoonful delivers vibrant zucchini, sweet carrots, and cauliflower florets in a comforting, customizable dish perfect for any season.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 parsnip peeled and chopped
  • 1 (8 ounce) bag cauliflower florets broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 zucchini peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 zucchini unpeeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 3 large carrots chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh dill rough-chopped, divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chicken soup powder to taste
  • Water enough to cover vegetables

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Immersion blender
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Prepare all vegetables: peel 3 zucchini while leaving 2 unpeeled for color contrast, then chop all 5 into substantial chunks.
  2. Chop the carrots, onions, and parsnip. Break the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
  3. Place all vegetables into a large pot and fill with enough water to cover them about three-quarters full.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender but not mushy, about 20-25 minutes.
  5. While the soup simmers, rough-chop the fresh dill, reserving some for garnish if desired.
  6. When vegetables have reached perfect tenderness, season with salt, pepper, and chicken soup powder to taste.
  7. Use an immersion blender to give the soup just a few pulses, thickening some of the broth while leaving plenty of vegetable chunks intact.
  8. Stir in most of the fresh dill just before serving, reserving some for garnish if desired.

Notes

This soup is incredibly versatile - feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have available. Yellow squash works well in place of zucchini, and broccoli can replace cauliflower. For a heartier meal, add a can of white beans or chickpeas.
Vegetarians can use vegetable broth powder instead of chicken soup powder without compromising flavor. The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and actually improves in flavor overnight.
Serve with crusty bread for dipping or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.