Description
This comforting Pearl Couscous Vegetable Soup is a hearty and nutritious one-pot meal featuring tender pearl couscous and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy lunch, it is packed with wholesome ingredients and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering, preparing a flavorful base for the soup.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent and aromatic, about 3 minutes.
- Cook vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some bite.
- Add couscous and liquids: Stir in the pearl couscous along with the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried thyme, and oregano, mixing everything well.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and the flavors meld together.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked beans or shredded chicken.
- You can substitute pearl couscous with regular couscous or small pasta like orzo if unavailable.
- Adjust the herbs to taste; fresh herbs can be used instead of dried.
- This soup stores well and flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave until hot.
