No fixed ingredients, no complications and the kind of flavour only home cooking can deliver.

You know that moment mid-week when you open the fridge and find a graveyard of forgotten vegetables? A slightly wrinkled carrot, two softening potatoes, a piece of courgette and some leek that’s seen better days.

Most people close the fridge, sigh and reach for something in the freezer.

I make soup.

Assortment of fresh vegetables — sweet potatoes, garlic, onion, carrot, zucchini, celery and cabbage — arranged on a granite countertop. — The perfect base for a nourishing soup: simple, fresh and flavour-packed vegetables.

Pot filled with thick, creamy vegetable soup topped with a swirl of olive oil. — The perfect base for a nourishing soup: simple, fresh and flavour-packed vegetables.

This creamy mixed vegetable soup is my rescue recipe — the one I make when the fridge needs clearing out, when time is short and when I want a dish that truly comforts. It has no fixed ingredients, doesn’t follow an exact formula and always turns out well. It’s the most zero waste recipe in my kitchen.

The Secret Is in the Aromatic Base

Many people underestimate the base of a soup. Taking the time to properly sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil — before adding a single vegetable — is what separates a bland soup from one that people ask for seconds of.

The onion should turn translucent and lightly golden. The garlic should perfume the oil. That 5-minute process at the start defines the flavour of everything that follows.

Bowl of thick brown soup topped with white cheese or tofu cubes and herbs, with a metal spoon beside it.

Creamy Mixed Vegetable Soup

Soup is the queen of using things up. Practically any vegetable works — and the result is always comforting.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Servings: 3 pessoas

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

500 gr mixed vegetables (carrot, potato, courgette, pumpkin, leek — whatever you have)
1 un onion
2 garlic cloves
1 lt water or vegetable stock
Olive oil, salt and pepper
Fresh parsley or coriander to serve

Equipment

Method

Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
Add the chopped vegetables and stir well to coat.
Cover with water or stock and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Blend everything with a hand blender until smooth and creamy.
Adjust seasoning and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.

Notes

Notes: Zero waste tip: Clean carrot and potato peelings can go straight into the pot — they disappear completely after blending and add extra flavour and nutrition to the broth. This soup keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months in individual portions.

My Favourite Combinations by Season

The freedom of this recipe is its greatest talent. Here are the combinations I make most at home:

Autumn/Winter — Orange and Comforting Pumpkin + carrot + sweet potato + a touch of fresh ginger. Beautiful colour, naturally sweet flavour and perfect for cold days.

Spring/Summer — Green and Light Courgette + peas + spinach + fresh mint at the end. Surprisingly refreshing and packed with colour.

All Year Round — The Classic Leek + potato + carrot. The creamiest, most comforting combination there is. Never fails.

How to Elevate This Soup with Toppings

A good soup deserves a good finish. Here are my favourites:

Drizzle of olive oil + flaky salt — the classic that never disappoints
Toasted pumpkin seeds — crunchy texture and nutty flavour
Toasted bread — for dipping and not wasting a single drop
Natural yoghurt + smoked paprika — creamy, tangy and with an incredible smoky note
Grated cheese — because sometimes simple is best

Store, Freeze, Enjoy

This soup is meal prep’s best friend. Make double the recipe, divide into individual jars or containers and freeze — you’ll have quick dinners ready for weeks. Just take out of the freezer the night before or defrost directly in the microwave.

It’s also the perfect solution for the days when you don’t want to think about what to have for dinner.

What’s your favourite vegetable combination for soup? Tell me in the comments — I love discovering new versions! And if you make this recipe, tag me on Instagram @ihaveacoconut 🥕🌿

Save this recipe for the next time your fridge needs a delicious clear-out — and you need a quick, comforting dinner.