Vegetable Soup — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

The best vegetable soup offers a medley of tender, yet distinct, vegetables in a flavorful broth. The vegetables should retain their color and shape, suggesting they were properly cooked.

Soups that are mushy or where the flavors have muddled together suggest overcooking. Avoid soups that are excessively thickened with starch or have an unnatural flavor profile.

Vegetable soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping it chilled helps maintain its freshness and safety for up to three to four days. Be sure to let the soup cool completely before sealing and placing it in the fridge.

Leaving vegetable soup out at room temperature can cause it to spoil. It's best to avoid metal containers for storage, as they may alter the flavor. Always reheat only the amount you plan to consume to preserve the soup's texture and taste.

Vegetable soup can last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, vegetable soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Leftover vegetable soup can be repurposed into a variety of savory dishes. Use it as a base for a stew or casserole by adding grains, vegetables, and protein, or mix it into a pasta sauce for added flavor and moisture. Vegetable soup is also great when reduced and used as a sauce or gravy over meats or mashed potatoes.

Use leftover vegetable soup in a rice or grain dish by cooking the grains in the soup instead of water for added richness. If you have a lot of vegetable soup, consider freezing it in portions for easy meals later. Vegetable soup can also be thickened with cream or flour and used as a filling for pot pies or savory tarts. For a quick meal, reheat the soup and serve with crusty bread, a salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich.