There’s just something about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day, right? Itโs like a warm hug for your insides! Thatโs exactly why Iโm so excited to share my favorite Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup. Forget those bland, watery vegetable soups you might have had โ this one is packed with so much flavor. The secret? Roasting all those gorgeous root veggies first! I remember one particularly dreary November afternoon, I was craving something grounding and comforting, and this soup was exactly what I needed. It uses simple ingredients but the roasting process just brings out this incredible, slightly sweet, caramelized depth that you can’t get any other way. It’s now a staple in my house all winter long!
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup
Oh, you are going to adore this soup! Hereโs why:
- Itโs surprisingly easy to make โ seriously, the oven does most of the heavy lifting!
- The flavor is just incredible, thanks to roasting those veggies until theyโre sweet and caramelized.
- Itโs wonderfully hearty and nourishing, perfect for keeping you warm.
- Itโs naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan, so itโs great for everyone!
Ingredients for the Perfect Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup
Okay, let’s talk about what goes into this amazing soup! Itโs all about good, wholesome veggies and a few pantry staples. Seriously, you probably have most of this stuff already.
- 2 lbs mixed winter vegetables: I love using a combo like carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and maybe some butternut squash. Just peel them and chop them into about 1-inch cubes. Donโt worry about being *too* precise; itโs rustic soup!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Good old extra virgin olive oil is perfect here for roasting.
- 1 large onion: Chopped up nicely. This is the base of our flavor town!
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced nice and fine. Garlic makes everything better, especially soup.
- 6 cups vegetable broth: I usually grab low-sodium so I can control the saltiness myself, but use whatever you have! Home-made broth? Even better!
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Such a classic herb that pairs beautifully with root veggies.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Just a hint to add that lovely, woodsy aroma we love in winter dishes.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, of course! Iโll tell you when to add them.
Thatโs it! See? Simple, right? But trust me, these humble ingredients transform into something magical when theyโre roasted and simmered together.
Essential Equipment for Making Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup
Okay, so you don’t need a fancy kitchen for this soup, but a few key players will make your life SO much easier. First off, you’ll want a large baking sheet for roasting all those lovely vegetables. A big one means the veggies get nicely browned instead of steaming, and nobody wants steamed parsnips! Then, for the actual soup-making, grab a large pot or a Dutch oven. This is where all the goodness will simmer away. And finally, if you like your soup all smooth and creamy, an immersion blender is a dream! If you don’t have one, no worries, a regular blender works perfectly fine too; just be careful when blending hot liquids!
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup
Alright, let’s get down to business and make this soup happen! Itโs really straightforward, and honestly, the hardest part is just waiting for those veggies to roast because they smell SO good. Itโs like magic happening in your oven, kind of like when I make these roasted garlic cabbage steaks or even those amazing garlic herb roasted potatoes!
Roasting the Winter Vegetables
First things first, we gotta get that oven fired up! Preheat it to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). While it’s warming up, grab your chopped veggies โ you know, the carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes โ and toss them onto a nice big baking sheet. Drizzle them with that olive oil, sprinkle a good pinch of salt and pepper, and give everything a good toss so every little piece is coated. Spread them out in a single layer, mostly. This is key to getting them nice and caramelized instead of steaming them. Just pop them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Youโre looking for them to be tender when you poke them with a fork and have those lovely little browned edges โ thatโs where the flavor explosion happens! This step is totally non-negotiable for the best roasted vegetable soup.
Building the Soup Base
Now, while those veggies are getting all roasty-toasty, letโs get the soup started in a pot. Grab a big pot or a Dutch oven and put it over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, and just let it soften up for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to get a little translucent and sweet. Then, toss in your minced garlic and let that cook for just about a minute more until you can really smell that amazing garlic aroma. Be careful not to burn it though!
Simmering and Finishing Touches
Okay, the moment of truth! Your veggies should be ready now. Carefully add those gorgeous roasted vegetables right into the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in your vegetable broth, and donโt forget to toss in the dried thyme and rosemary. Give it all a good stir. Bring the whole thing up to a boil, then quickly turn the heat down to low, put a lid on it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This just lets all those flavors get to know each other and meld together beautifully. It’s kind of like letting a good broth simmer and develop. Once it’s simmered, youโve got a choice: do you like it chunky, or do you prefer it super smooth? If you want it chunky, youโre pretty much done โ just taste it and add more salt and pepper if it needs it. If youโre going for smooth, grab an immersion blender and carefully blend it right in the pot until itโs as creamy as you like. If you donโt have an immersion blender, just let the soup cool slightly and then blend it in batches in a regular blender, being SUPER careful with the hot liquid! Always season with salt and pepper to your liking at the very end.
Tips for the Best Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup
Alright, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let me give you a few insider tricks to make this Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup absolutely sing. Itโs all about those little details that make a big difference, you know? Think of it like adding those little extra touches to a garlic potato soup or even a creamy chowder โ they just elevate the whole thing!
Ingredient Selection and Substitutions
When it comes to picking your veggies, flexibility is your friend! Carrots and parsnips are superstars because they get so sweet and tender when roasted. Sweet potatoes or butternut squash add a lovely creaminess and a touch of sweetness too. Don’t be afraid to experiment! I’ve tossed in chunks of rutabaga or even turnips before, and they add a bit of earthy depth. Just be mindful that denser veggies like turnips might need a few extra minutes in the oven to get just right. If you don’t have vegetable broth, chicken broth works too, but just remember that makes it non-vegetarian. And those dried herbs? Fresh thyme and rosemary are amazing if you have them, just use a bit more!
Achieving Optimal Flavor and Texture
That roasting step is really where the magic happens for flavor. Make sure you spread those veggies out on the baking sheet so they get nice and browned โ that caramelization is pure gold. Don’t crowd the pan! If you have a ton of veggies, use two pans. For texture, if you love a good chunk in your soup, just give it a gentle mash with a fork after simmering for a bit. If youโre going for super smooth, an immersion blender is your bestie. Just be sure to blend until itโs *really* smooth, and give it a good stir to make sure itโs not too thick. Sometimes, if it seems a little too dense after blending, I just thin it out with a splash more broth or even a little water until it feels just right.
Serving Suggestions for Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup
This Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you want to make it a full feast, I have some ideas! A good crusty bread is a MUST for dunking, obviously. Think sourdough or a nice chewy baguette. Itโs also lovely with a simple green salad on the side, maybe with a zesty vinaigrette. Or, top your soup with a generous swirl of heavy cream or coconut milk for extra richness, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or some crunchy croutons. For something a little different, sometimes Iโll add some toasted pumpkin seeds for a nice crunch! It makes it feel extra special, kind of like how a good lentil soup or a hearty white bean soup feels so comforting with the right toppings.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup actually tastes *even better* the next day, which is a win-win in my book. Just let
the soup cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. Itโll keep perfectly in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If
you want to freeze it, that works great too! Just ladle it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It should last a good 2-3 months in the freezer.
When youโre ready to reheat, just transfer it from the fridge (or thaw it in the fridge overnight first if frozen) to a pot over medium heat. Give it a good stir as it warms up. If it seems a little thick after sitting, just add a splash of broth or water to get it back to that perfect soupy consistency. Itโs really that simple, and youโll have a delicious, warm meal ready in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions about Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup
Got questions about my favorite Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup? Iโve got answers! It’s such a versatile dish, and I get asked a bunch of things about it, so letโs dive in. You know, people ask if they can use frozen veggies, or how to make it vegan, or just what other yummy vegetables work well in soup.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this soup?
You know, I really do prefer the fresh stuff for this recipe, especially for the roasting part. Frozen veggies tend to have more water, and when you roast them, they can get a bit mushy instead of getting those lovely caramelized edges we want. That said, if you’re in a pinch, you *could* add frozen vegetables like peas or corn at the end, just to warm through, but for the main root veggies, fresh is best for that deep roasted flavor!
How can I make this Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup vegan?
The great news is that the base recipe is *already* vegan! I use vegetable broth, and thereโs no dairy or meat in sight. So, if you keep it vegan, it’s fantastic. If youโre *not* keeping it vegan, a little splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end can make it extra decadent, but itโs absolutely delicious on its own without any additions. It’s kind of like how a good sweet potato curry is great vegan or with a bit of yogurt stirred in!
What are the best vegetables for roasting in soup?
Honestly, most sturdy root and winter vegetables work wonderfully here! Beyond the carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes I love, think about butternut squash, acorn squash, or even celery root. If you want something a little different, chopped red onions, bell peppers, or even Brussels sprouts can be great additions. Just be mindful of cooking times โ denser veggies might need a head start or slightly longer roasting. It’s all about finding that balance, much like in a zucchini and chickpea salad where you want everything tender but not mushy!
Nutritional Information
Now, Iโm not a fancy nutritionist or anything, and the numbers can totally change depending on *exactly* what veggies you use and how much oil you drizzle (oops!), but hereโs a pretty good estimate for a serving of this delicious Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup. Weโre looking at roughly 250 calories, about 5 grams of protein, and a solid 8 grams of fiber to keep you full. Plus, itโs got around 40 grams of carbs and 8 grams of fat. You can find a more detailed breakdown in the full recipe card, but honestly, it’s just pure goodness that tastes amazing, kind of like this awesome chicken parm!
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PrintRoasted Winter Vegetable Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup made with roasted root vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 65 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 lbs mixed winter vegetables (e.g., carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, butternut squash), peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Toss the cubed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- While vegetables roast, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the roasted vegetables, vegetable broth, thyme, and rosemary to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- You can serve the soup chunky or blend it for a smoother consistency using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or croutons.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup, vegetable soup, roasted vegetables, hearty soup, healthy soup, winter soup