Soup is a favorite winter meal of mine–a big hot bowl of soup on a cold day is just so warm and comforting! This winter has actually been on the milder side where I live, but we’ve had some chilly days and I’ve been making homemade soup every so often.

If you like veggies, this Zucchini Vegetable Soup is a good one to try. In addition to zucchini, it’s also made with green beans, chopped onion, and sliced carrots, all cooked until tender in a tomato–vegetable broth (or you can also substitute chicken broth if you like).

So there’s some chopping and slicing involved, but it’s worth it! And it gave me a chance to try my new complimentary AnySharp  knife sharpener that I received in the mail. It’s safe and easy to use and comes in a convenient small size for easy storage. It really helps make chopping and slicing veggies so much easier! You can visit AnySharp.com to learn more about it.

You can seed your zucchini before slicing it if you want, but if you don’t mind having some seeds in your soup, you can just slice it without seeding like I did.

ZUCCHINI VEGETABLE SOUP by NancyC

Makes 6-8 servings

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or substitute chicken broth)
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 6 cups sliced zucchini (about 2 medium)–cut slices into halves or fourths
• 2 cups fresh or frozen (and thawed) green beans, sliced into 1″ pieces
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion (about 1 medium)
• 2 cups sliced carrots (about 2 medium)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 to 3/4 Tablespoon Italian seasoning, depending on how seasoned you want it
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• additional salt and pepper to taste

In large pot, over medium heat, stir together the broth and tomato paste. Add the zucchini, green beans, onions, carrots, salt, dried parsley flakes, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Heat mixture to boiling, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 35 to 40 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if desired, then serve.

The Italian seasoning adds a great flavor to this soup, along with the garlic and onion. If you’re trying to get more veggies in your diet, this is a great recipe to try! What kinds of soup have you been making this winter?

Sharing this at Fiesta Friday, Meal Plan Monday, Weekend Potluck, Inspire Me Monday.