There's something inherently soothing about a bowl of hot soup, especially when filled with a vibrant array of vegetables and bursting with flavor. Our Heart-Healthy Vegetable Soup is a nutrient-packed delight, featuring carrots, onions, celery, green pepper, cabbage, peas, corn, and chickpeas. It's not just a dish to combat the winter chill; it's a heart-healthy meal that satisfies your taste buds while nourishing your body.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 8 medium-sized carrots, sliced
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 4 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 large green pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of chopped cabbage
- 2 cups of frozen cut green beans (about 8 ounces)
- 2 cups of frozen peas (about 8 ounces)
- 1 cup of frozen corn (about 5 ounces)
- 1 can (15 ounces) of garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules
- 1-1/2 teaspoons of dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 4 cups of water
- 1 can (28 ounces) of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups of V8 juice
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the carrots, onions, celery, and green pepper until they are crisp-tender. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Stir in all the remaining ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender. This should take about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy!
Health Benefits
This veggie delight soup is great for heart health. The myriad of veggies contributes to a lower risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Carrots are rich in potassium, which helps maintain a healthy blood pressure while the fiber in chickpeas helps lower cholesterol levels. Green vegetables like peas, beans, and celery are known for their heart-protective properties. Moreover, the antioxidant-rich tomatoes and cabbage further contribute to cardiovascular wellness by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
This Heart-Healthy Vegetable Soup is a perfect blend of taste and health, especially beneficial during the colder months when our bodies crave warmth and nutrition. It's an easy way to load up on essential nutrients while enjoying a comforting meal. Whether you want to improve your heart health or a hearty, healthy dish to serve your family, this soup ticks all the boxes.
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