Hello and welcome to RecipeArt! Today, I want to share with you a soul-warming and time-saving recipe that has been my go-to on those jam-packed, hectic days – the “Busy Day Soup Recipe.” Life can get overwhelming, and cooking a lavish meal may seem like an impossible task. But fear not, this delightful soup will not only warm your heart but also be ready in a jiffy! Let’s dive into the recipe, shall we?
Table of Contents
Preparation Time:
Approximately 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
Approximately 20 minutes
Recipe Yield:
4-6 servings
Nutritional Information:
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
Calories | 210 |
Total Fat | 3.5g |
– Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
Sodium | 680mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 38g |
– Dietary Fiber | 9g |
– Sugars | 8g |
Protein | 10g |
Ingredients You’ll Need for Busy Day Soup Recipe:
Ingredients | Quantity |
Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Finely chopped onion | 1 large |
Minced garlic | 2 cloves |
Peeled and diced carrots | 2 |
Diced celery stalks | 2 |
Diced potatoes (optional) | 1 cup |
Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) | 1 cup |
Kidney beans, drained and rinsed | 1 can (15 oz) |
Frozen peas | 1 cup |
Frozen corn | 1 cup |
Vegetable or chicken broth | 6 cups |
Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
Dried rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
Salt and pepper | As per taste |
Fresh parsley for garnish | As required |
Cooking Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This should take around 2-3 minutes.

- Add the Veggies:
Next, toss in the diced carrots and celery. These veggies not only add great flavor but also provide a satisfying crunch to the soup. Feel free to add potatoes for extra heartiness, but it’s entirely optional.

- Incorporate the Tomatoes:
Now, it’s time to introduce the tomatoes to the mix. If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, chop them finely, or you can use canned diced tomatoes as a time-saving alternative. The tomatoes add a pleasant tanginess and depth to the soup.
- Beans for Protein:
Let’s get some plant-based protein in the mix! Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans to the pot. They will not only make the soup more substantial but also provide a healthy boost of nutrients.
- Frozen Peas and Corn:
For a burst of vibrant color and natural sweetness, add the frozen peas and corn to the pot. These veggies cook quickly and retain their freshness, making them ideal for a busy day soup.
- Pour in the Broth:
Now comes the liquid base. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth – whichever you prefer. The broth is the soul of the soup, infusing all the flavors together in a harmonious blend.

- Seasoning Time:
Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary to add a comforting herbal essence. Give the soup a good stir, and don’t forget to add salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- Simmer to Perfection:
Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the vegetables to become tender.

- Garnish and Serve:
Once the soup has achieved its perfect balance of flavors, it’s time to ladle it into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley for a burst of color and an additional layer of taste.
Pro Tips:
- Prep Ahead: If you know you’ll be having a busy day, chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery the night before or during the weekend. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, so when it’s time to cook, all you need to do is toss them in the pot.
- Customize the Veggies: Don’t hesitate to get creative with the vegetable selection. You can add bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or any other veggies you love. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge.
- Homemade Broth: While store-bought broth is convenient, making your own vegetable or chicken broth can enhance the flavor of the soup. It’s easy to prepare and allows you to control the sodium content.
- Add Fresh Herbs: If you have access to fresh herbs, consider using them instead of dried ones. Fresh thyme and rosemary will give the soup a burst of aromatic flavors.
- Protein Variations: Feel free to experiment with different protein sources. Swap the kidney beans for black beans, chickpeas, or lentils. Alternatively, you can add cooked shredded chicken or diced tofu for a protein boost.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. It will give the soup an exciting kick!
- Make it Creamy: For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of coconut milk, almond milk, or heavy cream. It’ll create a luscious, velvety texture.
- Freeze for Later: Busy Day Soup is freezer-friendly! Make a double batch and freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. On hectic days, simply thaw and reheat for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or crackers. It’s an excellent way to soak up every last bit of goodness from the soup.
Conclusion:
There you have it – a comforting and nourishing Busy Day Soup that’s incredibly easy to make. This recipe has been my lifesaver on countless busy days, and I hope it becomes yours too! Whether you’re juggling work, family, or other commitments, this soup will offer you a moment of respite and warmth in a bowl.
Remember, don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking. Feel free to add other veggies or spices to suit your preferences. The Busy Day Soup is incredibly versatile, and that’s the beauty of it!
Next time you find yourself racing against the clock, remember this recipe and treat yourself to a soothing, homemade meal. Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup made with love.
Happy cooking and savor every spoonful! Until next time, stay hungry for knowledge and good food!
Printable Recipe:

Busy Day Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- Olive oil 1 tablespoon
- Finely chopped onion 1 large
- Minced garlic 2 cloves
- Peeled and diced carrots 2
- Diced celery stalks 2
- Diced potatoes optional 1 cup
- Diced tomatoes canned or fresh 1 cup
- Kidney beans drained and rinsed 1 can (15 oz)
- Frozen peas 1 cup
- Frozen corn 1 cup
- Vegetable or chicken broth 6 cups
- Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
- Dried rosemary 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper As per taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish As required
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This should take around 2-3 minutes.
- Next, toss in the diced carrots and celery. These veggies not only add great flavor but also provide a satisfying crunch to the soup. Feel free to add potatoes for extra heartiness, but it’s entirely optional.
- Now, it’s time to introduce the tomatoes to the mix. If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, chop them finely, or you can use canned diced tomatoes as a time-saving alternative. The tomatoes add a pleasant tanginess and depth to the soup.
- Let’s get some plant-based protein in the mix! Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans to the pot. They will not only make the soup more substantial but also provide a healthy boost of nutrients.
- For a burst of vibrant color and natural sweetness, add the frozen peas and corn to the pot. These veggies cook quickly and retain their freshness, making them ideal for a busy day soup.
- Now comes the liquid base. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth – whichever you prefer. The broth is the soul of the soup, infusing all the flavors together in a harmonious blend.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary to add a comforting herbal essence. Give the soup a good stir, and don’t forget to add salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the vegetables to become tender.
- Once the soup has achieved its perfect balance of flavors, it’s time to ladle it into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley for a burst of color and an additional layer of taste.
Notes
• Customize the Veggies: Don’t hesitate to get creative with the vegetable selection. You can add bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or any other veggies you love. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use a different type of broth?
Absolutely! You can use vegetable broth for a vegan version or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option. Both will work well and add their unique flavors to the soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, this soup tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Prepare it in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when needed.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, Busy Day Soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
How can I adjust the seasoning to my liking?
Seasoning is subjective, so feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and herbs according to your taste preferences. Start with less and add more gradually until it reaches your desired flavor profile.
Can I add meat to the soup?
Absolutely! If you prefer meat in your soup, you can add cooked shredded chicken, diced cooked sausage, or even ground beef or turkey. Just add the cooked meat towards the end of the cooking process.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-sodium diet?
The sodium content can be controlled by using low-sodium broth and reducing the amount of added salt. Additionally, using fresh vegetables and limiting the use of canned vegetables can help lower the sodium content.