On my busiest nights, I often find myself dreaming of a meal that’s both comforting and quick, and I’ve found it in this delightful recipe. Tired of dinner dilemmas? Craving something light yet satisfying after a long day? This Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables is the perfect answer, offering big flavors without the fuss. My family loves this Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables because it’s packed with goodness. It’s a surprisingly simple dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, making healthy eating a breeze. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, and feeding hungry families who want wholesome, delicious food. Get ready to discover your new favorite go-to recipe for nourishing your body and soul!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredient Essentials and Flavor Roles
Crafting a truly satisfying soup begins with quality ingredients. For this Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables, we focus on fresh produce and lean protein to build a foundation of flavor and nutrition.
- Fresh Vegetables: About 6-7 cups (approx. 1.5 L) total, finely chopped. A colorful mix like 2 medium carrots (1 cup/120g, sweetness), 2 stalks celery (1 cup/100g, aromatic base), ½ head green cabbage (3 cups/300g, bulk, slight crunch), 1 bell pepper (1 cup/150g, vitamins, flavor pop), and 1 medium zucchini (1.5 cups/180g, lightness).
- Impact: Adds nutrients, fiber, and vibrant texture, making it a truly healthy family dinner.
- Lean Protein Base: 1 lb (450g) ground turkey or lean ground beef.
- Impact: Heartiness and satisfying protein for a fulfilling meal.
- Substitutions: Ground chicken, lentils (for a vegetarian Peel A Pound soup), or cannellini beans for a plant-based option.
- Broth: 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
- Impact: Flavorful liquid base.
- Better-for-you options: Organic, reduced-sodium varieties ensure a healthy choice for your family.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz / 794g) can, fire-roasted or plain.
- Impact: Tangy depth and rich color.
- Seasonings: 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 medium onion (chopped), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, salt and pepper to taste, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Impact: Essential aromatics and warmth.
- Related ingredients for depth: A bay leaf, or fresh parsley for garnish can elevate this easy dinner idea.
Easy Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Getting this wholesome Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables on the table is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious and easy dinner!
- Prep Your Veggies (15 min): Wash and chop all fresh vegetables. Aim for bite-sized pieces for even cooking. For this family-friendly meal, uniform cuts ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
- Tip: Use a food processor for quick chopping of tougher veggies like carrots and celery. This helps speed up your meal prep!
- Brown the Meat (5-7 min): In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown your ground meat over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep our soup lean and healthy.
- Sauté Aromatics (3-5 min): Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Sauté until fragrant and softened. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your Peel A Pound soup.
- Simmer the Soup (20-25 min): Stir in chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, diced tomatoes (undrained), broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.
- Sensory Cue: You’ll notice the vegetables softening and the kitchen filling with wonderful aromas—a sign that a delicious meal is on its way!
- Add Remaining Veggies (10 min): Stir in the cabbage and zucchini. Continue to simmer until all vegetables are tender-crisp. I like mine to still have a little bite!
- Dietary Adaptation: For a low-carb Peel A Pound Soup, reduce the amount of carrots and add more leafy greens like spinach or kale at the very end of cooking.
- Taste and Adjust: Season with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Remember, flavors deepen as it cools slightly.
- Common Mistake Fix: If soup is too thin, simmer uncovered for longer. If too thick, add a little more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Perfect Times to Serve & Smart Storage
- This easy Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables is ideal for those nights when you need a quick, hearty meal after a long day.
- It makes a fantastic, comforting lunch for school or work, packing beautifully in a thermos.
- Planning a potluck? This soup easily doubles and is always a healthy, welcome contribution.
- Serve it as a light yet satisfying starter for your family gatherings.
Creative Serving Ideas:
- Elevate your bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a creamy dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Pair it with crusty whole-grain bread or a crisp side salad for a truly complete and family-friendly meal.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens all the flavors beautifully.
Storage Methods:
- Refrigerator: Keep any leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for your meal prep recipes.
- Freezer: For longer storage, ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last for up to 3 months. Remember to leave some headspace if using rigid containers.
Reheating Advice:
- Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm it up in the microwave until piping hot.
Lifestyle & Wellness Benefits of Peel A Pound Soup
This soup is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and fiber from all the fresh vegetables. It delivers sustained energy without any heavy ingredients, helping you maintain balance throughout your day. It’s a truly healthy family dinner option.
Naturally a low-calorie choice, this soup supports healthy weight management thanks to its high vegetable and lean protein content. It fills you up without weighing you down, making it an excellent component of a balanced diet.
The generous fiber content in this Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables is fantastic for digestive health. It aids in promoting a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall wellness.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, this soup is a dream for easy prep meals. It frees up your evenings, allowing you more time for relaxation or family activities without compromising on wholesome food.
Everyday Goals Made Easier
Minimal hands-on cooking time means you get to enjoy more moments with your family or dedicate time to yourself. This Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables is truly a time-saver.
By utilizing economical fresh vegetables and lean proteins, this recipe helps reduce your grocery bills without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. It’s smart, budget-friendly cooking.
This delicious and hearty soup provides a simple and enjoyable way to boost your daily vegetable intake, contributing significantly to better health and well-being.
It’s a fantastic ‘clean out the fridge’ recipe! Use up those odds and ends of fresh vegetables before they go bad, turning potential waste into a wholesome meal.
Chef Tips, Tweaks & Dietary Adjustments
For an even deeper, sweeter flavor profile, I sometimes roast some of the harder vegetables like carrots and bell peppers beforehand. It adds a wonderful dimension.
Spice lovers, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes in the recipe, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to individual servings for an extra kick.
To make this Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables more appealing to little ones, cut vegetables into smaller, fun shapes. Offer mild toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, or even puree a small portion for very young picky eaters.
Dietary Restrictions:
- Gluten-Free: Always ensure that your chosen broth is certified gluten-free.
- Vegan Peel A Pound Soup: Easily adapted! Simply omit the ground meat, use vegetable broth, and add extra beans or lentils for plant-based protein and heartiness.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium broth and adjust the salt to taste, relying more on flavorful herbs and spices.
Safety Callouts:
Always wash all fresh vegetables thoroughly before you begin chopping and cooking to ensure cleanliness and safety.
Reader FAQs
Is Peel A Pound Soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for several days and freezes beautifully, making it easy to portion out for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. It’s one of my favorite easy dinner ideas for healthy eating.
How do I make Peel A Pound Soup more nutritious?
You can boost nutrition by adding extra leafy greens like kale or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking, incorporating different types of beans for more fiber and protein, or using organic bone broth for added collagen and minerals. This enhances the health benefits of your Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables.
Can I find ready-to-cook Peel A Pound Soup online?
While you might find pre-chopped vegetable soup mixes or seasoned ground meat, an exact “ready-to-cook Peel A Pound Soup” kit might be rare. However, the ingredients are widely available as organic ingredients and simple to prepare yourself, making it a convenient option.
What vegetables are best for this soup?
Any fresh, non-starchy vegetables work well! Beyond the core carrots, celery, cabbage, and zucchini, consider green beans, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of frozen peas added at the end. The key is a colorful and varied mix for your Peel A Pound Soup.
Can I make this a vegetarian Peel A Pound Soup?
Yes, easily! Simply omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth. You can add extra beans (like kidney or cannellini) or lentils for plant-based protein and heartiness, making it a delicious and family-friendly vegetarian option.
How long does it take to make this soup?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 45-60 minutes, including prep and simmer time. It’s a quick and efficient way to get a wholesome, healthy family dinner on the table.
What if I don’t have all the fresh vegetables listed?
Don’t worry! This Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables is very forgiving. Use what you have on hand or what’s in season. The goal is a generous mix of veggies, so feel free to swap or substitute to make it your own.
Conclusion
This Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables is more than just a meal; it’s a simple, delicious solution for feeding your family well, even on the busiest nights. It’s perfect for healthy eating and quick meals, making dinner dilemmas a thing of the past.
Why not make it a staple in your kitchen? Save this recipe now on Pinterest for your weekly meal prep! I promise you’ll love having this hearty option ready to go.
Peel A Pound Soup Recipe With Fresh Vegetables
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A comforting, quick Peel A Pound Soup with lean ground meat and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. This healthy, satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
- Fresh Vegetables: About 6-7 cups (approx. 1.5 L) total, finely chopped. A colorful mix like 2 medium carrots (1 cup/120g, sweetness), 2 stalks celery (1 cup/100g, aromatic base), ½ head green cabbage (3 cups/300g, bulk, slight crunch), 1 bell pepper (1 cup/150g, vitamins, flavor pop), and 1 medium zucchini (1.5 cups/180g, lightness).
- Lean Protein Base: 1 lb (450g) ground turkey or lean ground beef.
- Broth: 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz / 794g) can, fire-roasted or plain.
- Seasonings: 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 medium onion (chopped), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, salt and pepper to taste, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Instructions
- Prep Your Veggies: Wash and chop all fresh vegetables. Aim for bite-sized pieces for even cooking. For this family-friendly meal, uniform cuts ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown your ground meat over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep our soup lean and healthy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Sauté until fragrant and softened. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your Peel A Pound soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Stir in chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, diced tomatoes (undrained), broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.
- Add Remaining Veggies: Stir in the cabbage and zucchini. Continue to simmer until all vegetables are tender-crisp. I like mine to still have a little bite!
- Taste and Adjust: Season with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Remember, flavors deepen as it cools slightly.
Notes
- Substitutions: For the lean protein base, you can use ground chicken, lentils (for a vegetarian option), or cannellini beans for a plant-based version.
- Dietary Adaptation (Low-Carb): For a low-carb Peel A Pound Soup, reduce the amount of carrots and add more leafy greens like spinach or kale at the very end of cooking.
- Consistency Fix: If the soup is too thin, simmer uncovered for longer. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Nutritional Information: The provided nutritional data is an estimation based on typical values for similar healthy soups, as exact figures were not provided in the original article.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg