Name: Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3 medium carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced; 1 medium zucchini, diced in big chunks; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste; 2 bay leaves; Salt and ground black pepper, to taste; 6 cups vegetable broth, plus more if needed; 2 (14 oz/400 g) cans diced tomatoes, with juices; ¾ cup long grain white rice, rinsed; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 62 reviews

If you are craving a bowl of wholesome comfort that warms you up from the inside out, this Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s vibrant, packed with nutritious vegetables, and simmered in a rich tomato-based broth that delivers a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this soup comes together quickly, making it a fantastic go-to for easy meal prep that never compromises on taste or heartiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface, showing four layers of chopped vegetables arranged side by side: light green celery slices on the top left, white diced onions on the top right, orange diced carrots on the bottom left, and pale green zucchini wedges on the bottom right. A knife with a wooden handle lies horizontally along the right side of the cutting board. Around the board, there are additional ingredients placed on the white marbled surface: three garlic cloves near the top left, a clear glass measuring cup filled with light brown broth on the top right, a small white plate with various dried spices including bay leaves and chili flakes to the right of the cutting board, a small clear bowl of olive oil below the spices, a white bowl filled with raw long grain rice below the olive oil, and two opened cans of diced tomatoes at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to create a balance of flavor, texture, and color. These staples come together to transform a few humble kitchen basics into a satisfying feast.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky richness that helps soften the vegetables and meld the flavors together.
1 yellow onion, chopped: Builds a sweet and savory foundation for the broth.
3 medium carrots, chopped: Give a natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced: Bring a refreshing crunch and depth to the soup.
1 medium zucchini, diced in big chunks: Adds a tender texture and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the broth.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with warmth and aroma.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder: Offers a subtle smoky undertone and gorgeous color.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Creates an herby backbone tying all ingredients harmoniously.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste): Gives a gentle kick and livens up the soup.
2 bay leaves: Impart a subtle earthiness that deepens flavor complexity.
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient’s character.
6 cups vegetable broth (plus more if needed): The heart of the soup, infusing it with a rich, savory base.
2 cans (14 oz / 400 g each) diced tomatoes with juices: Build a beautiful, tangy foundation and gorgeous ruby color.
¾ cup long grain white rice, rinsed: Adds comforting chewiness and helps make the soup filling.
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (to serve): Brightens the bowl with fresh herbal notes and a pop of green.

How to Make Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, zucchini, and celery, allowing them to gently soften for about five minutes. This step lets their natural sugars caramelize a bit, setting the stage for a flavorful broth. Follow it up by stirring in minced garlic, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves, cooking everything together for just a minute until the spices release their wonderful aroma.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Next, pour in the vegetable broth along with the diced tomatoes and their juices. Crank up the heat until the mixture reaches a boil, then stir in the rinsed rice. This is when the magic truly begins, as the rice soaks up all the rich, savory liquid.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, letting the soup cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom. If the soup seems too thick, feel free to add a little more vegetable broth or water to keep the texture just right. The vegetables should become tender and the rice perfectly cooked by the end of this step.

Step 4: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaves, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Serve each bowl topped with bright chopped parsley or basil, which adds a fresh, herbaceous note that beautifully complements the rich broth and tender veggies.

How to Serve Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe

A large white pot sits on a white marbled surface filled with three layers of chopped vegetables: bright orange carrots, light green celery, and dark green zucchini pieces mixed with onion chunks, all stirred with a wooden spoon resting inside the pot. Around the pot, there are two open cans filled with red diced tomatoes at the top left, a clear glass bowl of light brown broth at the top right, a small white bowl with coarse minced garlic at the bottom left, another white bowl with long-grain white rice next to it, and a small white dish holding six different spices including dried herbs, salt, pepper, red chili flakes, and a bay leaf on the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A shower of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top instantly lifts the soup’s presentation and taste. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan for a subtle salty finish, or add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the whole bowl.

Side Dishes

Crunchy, toasted bread or a fresh baguette makes a delightful side here, perfect for dipping into that luscious tomato broth. For a heartier meal, a simple green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette balances the soup’s warmth beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this comforting classic into a festive centerpiece by serving it in individual rustic mugs or small bread bowls. Adding a swirl of pesto or a drizzle of flavored olive oil on top can also elevate the experience and impress your guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe keeps exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container, ensuring the soup is cooled before sealing to maintain its fresh flavors and safety.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that the rice might absorb even more liquid and change texture slightly. For best results, freeze soup without rice and stir in freshly cooked rice when reheating. Freeze in portions to make future meals a breeze.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup becomes too thick. Reheating slowly preserves the soup’s lovely texture and depth of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture but keep in mind it takes longer to cook. You might need to simmer the soup an additional 10 to 15 minutes or pre-cook the rice before adding it to the pot.

Is this soup suitable for freezing with all the vegetables and rice included?

While the soup freezes well, the rice tends to soften and sometimes becomes mushy after freezing. For the best texture, freeze the soup without rice and add freshly cooked rice when you reheat.

Can I substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth if you’re not strictly vegetarian. It will add a savory depth of flavor, though the soup’s character might shift slightly from its original vegetable-forward essence.

How spicy is this Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference, or omit them altogether for a milder version that kids or sensitive palates will enjoy.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to toss in green beans, peas, corn, or even some leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and variety.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetable Rice Soup Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a bit of love can create a bowl full of warmth, nourishment, and happiness. It’s perfect for any day when you want something cozy, healthy, and effortlessly delicious. I truly hope you give it a try—once you make it, it might just become one of your favorite go-to meals too!