Are you craving something warm and nourishing but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or break the bank? We’ve got you covered! Today, we’re sharing four incredibly simple vegetable soups that require just 4 basic ingredients each. The best part? Each recipe takes less than 20 minutes to prepare! π₯
These budget-friendly soups are perfect for:
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Busy weeknight dinners
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Meal prep
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Student cooking
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Clean eating
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Vegetarian/vegan diets (base recipes)
Table of Contents
What Makes These Soups Special?
- Minimal ingredients
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Budget-friendly
- Easily customizable
- Perfect for meal prep
- Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free
Let’s dive into these super simple recipes! π₯£
1. Silky Smooth Red Pepper Soup

This vibrant soup delivers pure red pepper flavor with a surprisingly creamy texture β no cream needed!
Time: 17 minutes
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 7 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 3 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
- 6 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring water to boil in a medium saucepan
- Add salt and peppers; cook 6-7 minutes until tender
- Transfer peppers to blender with 1 cup cooking liquid
- Blend until smooth
π‘ Pro tip: Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for extra richness
2. Beautiful Beet Soup

This stunning magenta soup isn’t just Instagram-worthy β it’s packed with nutrients!
Time: 18 minutes
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 8 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 3 beets, chopped
- 6 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil water in saucepan
- Add salt and beets; cook 7-8 minutes until tender
- Transfer to blender with 1Β½-2 cups cooking liquid
- Blend until smooth
π‘ Pro tip: Top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill
3. Creamy Cauliflower Soup

A low-carb dream that tastes surprisingly rich and creamy!
Time: 17 minutes
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 7 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, florets only
- 6 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Remove florets from cauliflower head
- Boil water and add salt
- Cook florets 6-7 minutes until tender
- Blend with 1 cup cooking liquid until smooth
π‘ Pro tip: Top with grated Parmesan and crispy croutons
4. Quick Broccoli Soup

The speediest of them all β ready in just 14 minutes!
Time: 14 minutes
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 4 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 head broccoli, florets only
- 6 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Remove florets from broccoli head
- Boil water and add salt
- Cook florets 3Β½-4 minutes until tender
- Blend with cooking liquid to desired consistency
π‘ Pro tip: Add shredded cheddar cheese for a richer flavor
Make It Your Own! π
Customization Ideas:
- Add aromatics: garlic, onion, or ginger
- Enhance with spices: curry powder, cumin, or red pepper flakes
- Make it creamy: coconut milk, cream, or Greek yogurt
- Add protein: white beans, chickpeas, or tofu
- Garnish with: herbs, seeds, croutons, or olive oil drizzle
Storage Tips π₯‘
- Refrigerate: up to 4 days in airtight containers
- Freeze: up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
- Reheat: gently on stovetop or in microwave
Money-Saving Tips π°
- Buy vegetables in season
- Use frozen vegetables when fresh are expensive
- Save vegetable scraps for homemade stock
- Batch cook and freeze portions
- Shop at farmers’ markets near closing time
Final Thoughts
These simple Vegetable Soups prove that healthy, delicious meals don’t need to be complicated or expensive. Each recipe serves as a basic template that you can customize based on your preferences and pantry staples. Perfect for beginners, busy professionals, or anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet while staying within budget!