Description
Swamp Soup is a hearty, flavorful vegetable soup featuring a medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and rich tomato base, topped with melting Swiss cheese for added creaminess. Perfect for a cozy and nutritious meal, this easy-to-make soup combines sautéed aromatics with simmered canned tomatoes and spinach for a delicious bowl of comfort in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 lb. carrots (about 4 medium), peeled and sliced
- 3 ribs celery, sliced
Herbs and Liquids
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp dried basil
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano
- 3 8oz. cans tomato sauce
- 3 15oz. cans diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1.5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 10oz. package frozen chopped spinach (no need to thaw)
Toppings
- 8 oz. Swiss cheese, diced into small cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Mince the garlic cloves, dice the yellow onion, peel and slice the carrots, and slice the celery ribs to ensure each ingredient is ready to sauté.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about five minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant.
- Add Tomato Base and Herbs: Pour in the tomato sauce, the diced tomatoes along with their juices, and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano. Stir everything to combine well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the frozen chopped spinach directly into the simmering soup. Stir continuously until the spinach has fully melted and is heated through, blending well with the tomato base and vegetables.
- Season and Adjust: Taste the soup carefully and add salt if needed, depending on the sodium in your canned tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to incorporate any seasoning adjustments.
- Prepare Cheese Topping: Dice the Swiss cheese into small cubes, ready to serve.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, adding a small handful of Swiss cheese cubes on top. The warmth of the soup will slightly melt the cheese, adding creamy richness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and broth to control salt content.
- Swiss cheese can be substituted with mozzarella or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- For a vegan version, omit cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- The soup reheats well and flavors deepen after a day.
- Adjust herbs to taste, fresh herbs can be used but add later in cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American