Quick Answer (Snippet)
This basic soup recipe is a foolproof, one-pot meal made with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, and your choice of vegetables or protein. It’s hearty, healthy, and completely customizable — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
💛 Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a pot of simmering soup to make your kitchen feel cozy. This basic soup recipe is my go-to whenever I want something warm, nourishing, and flexible.
The beauty? It’s truly a “clean out the fridge” recipe. You start with a flavorful base of onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, then add broth and whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for Weight Watchers, low-carb, or family meals.
📖 Table of Contents
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Why You’ll Love This Soup
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Ingredients Needed
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Variations & Add-Ins
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Storage & Freezer Tips
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WW Points & Nutritional Info
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Author Note
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More Cozy Soup Recipes
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Call to Action
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Basic Soup
From my kitchen to yours, here’s why I always come back to this recipe:
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Versatile: use chicken, beans, or just veggies.
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Quick & easy: ready in about 30 minutes.
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WW-friendly: simple swaps keep it low in points.
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Great for meal prep: it reheats beautifully all week.
🥕 Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need for the soup base:
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2 tbsp olive oil → or cooking spray to reduce WW points
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1 onion, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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6 cups broth (chicken, veggie, or beef – choose low-sodium for a healthier option)
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2 cups vegetables or protein (think zucchini, mushrooms, shredded chicken, beans, or even lentils)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or basil) for garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
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Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
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Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil.
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Add your choice of vegetables or protein.
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Lower heat and simmer 15–20 minutes, until everything is tender.
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Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs before serving.
🌟 Variations & Add-Ins
This is where you can really make it your own:
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For a hearty soup: add cooked pasta, rice, or barley.
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For extra protein: stir in chickpeas, beans, or shredded chicken.
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For spice: add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
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For creaminess: finish with a swirl of Greek yogurt or light cream.
🥡 Storage & Freezer Tips
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in individual portions up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
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Meal prep tip: Freeze in mason jars or freezer bags for quick grab-and-heat meals!
⚖️ WW Points & Nutrition (per 1 cup, base recipe)
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Calories: ~120
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Protein: 4g
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Carbs: 14g
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Fat: 5g
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WW Points: 2–3 (varies by protein choice)
👉 To make it Zero Points, use cooking spray instead of oil, fat-free broth, and lean protein or all veggies.
📝 Author Note
This soup has been a lifesaver on my WW journey. Whenever I feel like snacking, I’ll heat up a small bowl — it’s warm, filling, and zero guilt. My kids love it with noodles and shredded chicken, while I’ll often pack mine with zucchini, mushrooms, and beans. It’s truly a “one pot, endless possibilities” recipe.
🍲 More Cozy Soup Recipes
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Taco Soup (WW-Friendly Crockpot Style)
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Creamy Cauliflower Cheese Soup
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Vegetable Detox Soup
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Chicken & Mushroom Oven Dish (Soup Variation)
💬 Call to Action
Would you make your basic soup hearty with pasta or keep it light and veggie-packed? 🍲
Try it this week and tag me with your bowl at #KristyCooksWW — I’d love to see your variations!
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