How to Make a Basic Homemade Soup (Foolproof & Flexible Recipe)

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef)
  • 2 cups veggies (potatoes, zucchini, spinach) or protein (beans, shredded chicken, tofu)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme, or chives – optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Base (Aromatics)

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and the onions turn translucent.

2. Add Garlic for Flavor

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Pour in the Broth

Add your broth of choice to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

4. Add Veggies or Protein

Once boiling, toss in your choice of vegetables or protein. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer.

5. Simmer to Perfection

Let your soup simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and any protein is cooked through.

6. Season & Serve

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Helpful Tips & Variations

Make It Your Own:
Swap in your favorite ingredients! Here are a few ideas:

  • Add grains like rice, quinoa, or small pasta
  • Use legumes like lentils or chickpeas
  • Try greens like spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking

Meal Prep Friendly:
This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for quick, healthy meals later.

Let’s Get Creative!

What delicious variations did you come up with? Share your favorite combos in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make this soup your own!

Stay cozy & enjoy your homemade soup! 🍲

Leave a Comment