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For my Instant Pot Vegetable Soup, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, sliced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 medium zucchini, diced - 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 cups fresh spinach You can use fresh or frozen produce in this recipe. Fresh veggies add crispness and flavor. They are great if you have them on hand. Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious and save time. They are easy to keep in the freezer for quick meals. I often mix both for the best taste and texture. This soup is flexible. If you have specific dietary needs, here are some swaps: - Use low-sodium vegetable broth for less salt. - Swap olive oil for avocado or coconut oil for a different flavor. - For a vegan option, ensure your broth is plant-based. - If you're gluten-free, check that your broth is certified gluten-free. - You can add beans for protein if you're vegetarian or vegan. These changes make the soup fit for everyone! To start, I turn on my Instant Pot and set it to Sauté mode. I add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up. Next, I toss in 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. I cook this blend until the onion turns soft and clear, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a solid flavor base for the soup. After the aromatics are ready, I stir in 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, 1 diced bell pepper, 1 diced medium zucchini, and 1 cup of green beans. I sauté these veggies for another 3-4 minutes. They should be slightly tender but not mushy. This mix adds great color and nutrition to the dish. Now, I mix in 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice), 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. I season with salt and pepper to taste. I stir everything well to combine. After that, I close the lid and make sure the valve is set to Sealing. Then, I set it to Manual or Pressure Cook for 8 minutes. When the cooking time is done, I carefully switch the valve to Venting to release the pressure. Once the steam stops, I open the lid. I stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and 2 cups of fresh spinach. The heat from the soup wilts the spinach perfectly. I taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, the soup is ready to serve! To get the best texture in your soup, use fresh vegetables. Fresh veggies keep their crunch. When you sauté, cook until slightly soft. This step adds depth. Don’t skip this part! For a smoother soup, blend it briefly after cooking. Use an immersion blender for ease. If you like a chunky soup, skip the blending. You can boost flavor with simple herbs. Dried oregano and thyme work well. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness. A splash of lemon juice at the end gives a fresh kick. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. This adds a nice warmth without overpowering the taste. Serve your soup hot in a bowl. Top it with fresh herbs for color. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese makes it richer. Pair it with crusty bread for a full meal. You can also serve it with a side salad for extra crunch. Enjoy your warm, hearty bowl of goodness! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the protein in your vegetable soup. Try adding cooked beans, like kidney or black beans. You can also add lentils for extra protein and fiber. If you prefer meat, shredded chicken or diced turkey work well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you add raw meat. Experiment with spices and herbs to create new flavors. For a warm kick, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. If you like fresh herbs, try basil, cilantro, or dill. You can also swap out dried oregano and thyme for herbs like rosemary or tarragon. Each choice gives a unique twist to your soup. Using seasonal vegetables makes your soup fresh and exciting. In spring, add peas or asparagus. In summer, toss in corn or bell peppers. Autumn is a great time for squash or sweet potatoes. In winter, root vegetables like parsnips or turnips add heartiness. Feel free to mix and match according to what you have on hand. For the full recipe, check out the Hearty Instant Pot Vegetable Soup above. You can store leftover soup in the fridge. Use a clean, airtight container. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing. This helps prevent bacteria growth. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is great. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It lasts in the freezer for about 3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it on medium. Stir often to avoid burning. If using the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Enjoy your soup warm! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Yes, you can use any broth you like! Vegetable broth gives a nice flavor. Chicken broth works well too. If you need a low-sodium option, choose a low-sodium broth. This change will still keep the soup tasty. To thicken your soup, you have a few options. You can mash some of the veggies after cooking. Another way is to add a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it in. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker! Simply follow the same steps. Sauté your aromatics in a pan first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You'll get a great flavor. You can swap veggies based on what you have. Use potatoes instead of zucchini for a heartier soup. Kale can replace spinach for a different taste. Bell peppers can be swapped for corn or peas. Just keep your flavor balance in mind when making these swaps. For the full recipe, check the other sections! In this post, we explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips for making soup. We also looked at variations, storage info, and answered common questions. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a comforting dish. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors and textures. Cooking is about finding what you love. Enjoy your soup-making journey!

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

Discover the perfect Instant Pot Vegetable Soup that's both simple and flavorful! Packed with vibrant veggies and rich in nutrients, this recipe is quick and easy, perfect for everyone—from busy parents to seasoned cooks. Learn step-by-step instructions, helpful tips for customization, and ideas for enhancing the flavor. Ready to warm your heart and fill your belly? Click through to explore the complete recipe and start cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

4 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup frozen peas

2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to Sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).

    Add the Vegetables: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, and green beans. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

      Mix in the Rest: Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine.

        Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to Sealing. Set it to Manual or Pressure Cook for 8 minutes.

          Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, carefully switch the valve to Venting to release the pressure. Once the steam has fully released, open the lid.

            Finish the Soup: Stir in the frozen peas and fresh spinach, allowing them to wilt from the residual heat. Adjust seasoning to taste, if needed.

              Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and color. Serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious finish.