As the weather cools down here in Waterloo Region, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup to bring comfort to your home. Whether you're recovering from a cold, dealing with the exhaustion of house hunting, or simply craving something nourishing after a long day, this vegetable soup is exactly what you need.
🏡 Why This Recipe Works for Local Families
The Power Base:
This soup is incredibly forgiving and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen — or can easily pick up at any of our wonderful local markets like the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market or Kitchener Market. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something healthy but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
🛒 What You'll Need
- 1 onion, chopped (any size works)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced (skin on is fine)
- 2 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 small green chilli (optional, for heat)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or water in a pinch)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pinch of turmeric (optional, for colour and health benefits)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
👩🍳 Simple Steps to Soup Perfection
1. 🔪 Prep Your Veggies
Get all your vegetables chopped and ready before you start cooking. No need for perfect cuts — this is home cooking at its best.
2. 🫕 Build Your Base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, leeks, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing.
3. 🧄 Add Aromatics
Stir in the garlic and green chilli (if using). Cook for just a minute — you want the garlic fragrant, not burnt.
4. 🥕 Layer in the Veggies
Add the carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and potatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. ♨️ Simmer to Perfection
Pour in your broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
6. 🧂 Season and Serve
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the turmeric if using — it gives the soup a beautiful golden colour. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.
✨ Make It Your Own
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand or need to use up. It's a great way to reduce food waste and save money — something every homeowner in Waterloo Region can appreciate!
The soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
🍞 Perfect Pairings
Serve this soup with:
Fresh bread from a local bakery like Breadheads or Stone Crock Bakery
A simple green salad
Grilled cheese sandwiches for the kids
💚 The Bottom Line
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. This vegetable soup is light yet satisfying, packed with nutrients, and brings that cozy feeling that makes a house feel like home — which is what we're all about here at The Saunders Tremblay Realty Team.
Stay warm and healthy this season!
Ready to work with soup-er Waterloo Region realtors?
📱 Contact any of The Saunders Tremblay Realty Team today!
Serving Waterloo Region with soup-er service! 🦸♂️🏠
Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Blog Post: November 1, 2025