Hearty Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 medium, diced)
• Carrots (2 medium, sliced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Potatoes (2 medium, diced)
• Tomatoes (2 cups, diced (fresh or canned))
• Green beans (1 cup, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Corn (1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned))
• Vegetable broth (6 cups)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the diced potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, corn, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are cooked through and tender.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for an extra touch of flavor.