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Introduction
Whether you’re craving something warm on a chilly evening or need a quick bite during a busy lunch break, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a hot cup of soup. And when I say “cozy comfort,” I’m talking about the irresistibly delicious cup a soup that warms both your hands and heart. Light, flavorful, and ridiculously convenient, it’s soup in a mug — but done right.
Watch step-by-step instructions on YouTube
Ingredients You Will Need
To make a heartwarming cup a soup, gather these wholesome, flavor-packed ingredients. These are pantry-friendly yet will give your soup a fresh, homemade flair.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced into tiny cubes
- 1/2 cup frozen or fresh sweet corn
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1 cup finely chopped spinach or kale
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium, homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (for depth of flavor)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika or cayenne (optional kick)
- 1 tbsp corn starch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Substitution Ideas:
- Swap peas for zucchini cubes if you prefer less sweetness.
- Use coconut oil or ghee instead of olive oil for a different flavor base.
- Skip corn starch for a thinner, brothy finish or add more for a creamy-style texture.
Timing
Here’s how much time you’ll need from stovetop to sip:
- 🕓 Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- ⏱️ Total Time: 25 minutes
That’s 25 minutes — about 20% less time than average soup recipes, which usually take 30–40 minutes. Ideal when you need a quick but nourishing bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it turns translucent. Add garlic next and stir until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add the Veggies
Toss in the carrot, peas, sweet corn, and spinach. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat the veggies in flavor.
Step 3: Pour the Broth
Add in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it bubble for another 8–10 minutes.
Step 4: Thicken It Up
Take your cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the soup while stirring. Let it simmer 2 more minutes until you get a slightly thick consistency.
Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Serve
Give it a final stir, check for seasoning, and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving in your favorite mug.
Nutritional Information
This homemade version of cup a soup is light yet nourishing. Here’s a breakdown per serving (approx. 1 cup):
- Serving Size: 1 Cup
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Here are smart swaps to keep your soup nutritious and delicious:
- Use low-sodium broth to reduce salt intake
- Swap corn for zucchini to cut sugar levels
- Skip tomato paste and use diced tomatoes for lower oxalate content
- Add lentils or chickpeas for protein boost
- Use quinoa pasta bits to add whole-grain texture
Serving Suggestions
Want to take your cup a soup to the next level? Try these pairings:
- Serve with whole grain crackers or baked pita chips
- Add a dollop of yogurt or swirl of cream on top
- Sprinkle roasted seeds or nuts for crunch
- Pair with a grilled sandwich or panini for a heartier meal
- Try alongside a fresh green salad for a light dinner
For more cozy ideas, check out these comfort soup recipes that are equally heartwarming.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t let these common pitfalls ruin your bowl:
- Over-simmering the soup – makes veggies mushy
- Adding cornstarch too early – clumps up without thickening efficiently
- Skipping sauté step – takes away flavor depth
- Overloading with salt – choose low-sodium broth and taste as you go
- Not chopping finely – large chunks won’t fit easily in a mug
Love experimenting with textures? Dive into more variations on our creative soup recipes collection.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Here’s how to save your soup for another comforting moment:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 1 month
- Reheating: Warm on stove or microwave. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick
- Prep Ahead: Chop all veggies in advance and freeze in zip bags
Want to try more slow cooking variations? Check out these crockpot soup recipes for ultimate ease.
Conclusion
Homemade cup a soup is one of those magical dishes that offers comfort without compromise. Fast, flexible, and full of real flavor, it’s proof that a quick meal can still be nourishing. Whether you’re trying to eat better, shorten your cooking time, or simply crave something warm and feel-good, this recipe has you covered.
Give it a try today and share your own twist with me in the comments. Hungry for more ideas? Explore the world of broth and spoon with these soups and stews from my kitchen to yours.
FAQs
Can I make cup a soup without broth?
Yes! Substitute with water and add seasoning like miso, soy sauce, or bouillon cubes for flavor.
Is cup a soup good for weight loss?
It can be! This homemade version is low in calories, high in fiber, and can keep you full longer.
Can I prep this recipe in advance?
Totally. You can refrigerate it for days or freeze batches. Perfect for meal prep.
What vegetables go best in cup a soup?
Think carrots, peas, corn, spinach, leeks — anything diced small works best.
Can I add noodles or pasta?
Of course! Use tiny pasta like orzo or vermicelli for added texture without overpowering your cup.
You’ll find even more delicious mug-sized meals over at our hearty vegetable soup archive.