Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe

5 from 3 votes

This versatile Vegetable Rice Soup is a hearty, healthy meal in a bowl. Roasted vegetables add a depth to this simple comfort soup.

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Total Time50

Course: soups and starters

Cuisine: American, Vegetarian

Servings (change as needed): -6

1 large carrot or 2-3 small ones, shaved with a peeler or cut in small pieces
1 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
4-5 cups other vegetables cut in chunks (e.g. red pepper, mushrooms, green onions, asparagus, zucchini),
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

2 teaspoon oil
3/4 cup chopped onions (about 1 onion)
2 teaspoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
OPTIONAL: 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder; 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes; pinch of cumin
5 cup vegetable or chicken broth (or 4 cups broth, 1 cup water)
1 1/2 cup cooked or leftover rice (made from 1/2 cup uncooked rice - follow package directions)
3 cup fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

Preheat oven to 425F. Line large pan with parchment paper (or foil sprayed with oil).
PREPARE VEGETABLES: In a large mixing bowl, add all vegetables, oil. salt , pepper and thyme. Mix to combine. Pour onto lined pan.
ROAST VEGETABLES: Put pan in oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until starting to caramelize/brown. Stir half way through. (Note: vegetables can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge).
MAKE SOUP: Heat oil in a large pot to medium high. Add onions and saute for a few minutes until translucent. Add garlic, thyme (and curry, cumin and/or chili flakes if using) and stir for another minute. Add broth, rice and roasted vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes. Add spinach and stir for a minute until wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings.
SERVE: Ladle into bowls. Serve with warmed crusty french bread on the side or with homemade croutons on top (Note 1)

To make croutons: Cut 2 slices bread into 1/2-1 inch pieces. Most breads are fine. Stale is good but not essential. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan to medium or medium high heat. Add bread pieces in a single layer in pan. Sprinkle with salt (and garlic powder if desired). Continue to toast, stirring occasionally until nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes.

Nutrition value estimates do not include croutons.