Lazy Day Hearty Soup

Here’s a simple and satisfying Lazy Day Hearty Soup recipe—easy to throw together, full of veggies, and perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) beans, drained and rinsed (optional, for extra protein)
• 1–2 cups cooked shredded chicken or sausage (optional, for a heartier version)
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the base:
   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
2. Add vegetables:
   • Stir in carrots, celery, potato, and green beans. Cook for another 3–4 minutes.
3. Add liquids and seasonings:
   • Pour in broth and diced tomatoes.
   • Add thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Simmer:
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
5. Add optional ingredients:
   • Stir in beans, cooked chicken or sausage, and leafy greens. Simmer 5 more minutes until heated through.
6. Serve:
   • Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning to taste.
   • Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Tips:

• This soup is extremely flexible—use whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors meld.

I can also give a slow-cooker version of this soup where all the ingredients cook together for 6–8 hours, making it even easier for a lazy day.

Do you want me to make that version too?