About This Recipe
This Zero Point Vegetable Soup is a foundational recipe within the Weight Watchers program. It is specifically designed to be a zero Points® value food on most plans, meaning it can be consumed freely without tracking. It is a hearty, broth-based soup packed with non-starchy vegetables, making it an ideal choice for staying satisfied while adhering to the program’s guidelines.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is incredibly versatile and forgiving. It serves as a perfect tool for weight management, providing a large volume of food for very few calories. It is naturally fat-free, vegan, and gluten-free (when using a gluten-free broth). You can enjoy it as a starter to a meal, a light lunch, or a snack to help fill you up between meals. Its simplicity allows for easy customization based on personal preference and what vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 cups fat-free vegetable broth (or chicken broth if not vegetarian)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon tomato paste for deeper flavor
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash, peel (if necessary), and dice all vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, add a few tablespoons of water or broth. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the remaining vegetables (zucchini, green beans, cabbage), the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, water, oregano, and basil to the pot. Stir everything to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-35 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If using, stir in the tomato paste until fully incorporated for a richer flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
FAQ
Q: Is this soup really zero Points?
A: On most Weight Watchers plans, this soup is zero Points® when made with the listed ingredients, as it contains only non-starch vegetables and fat-free broth. Always verify with your current plan’s guidelines.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes. You can add other zero-point vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, kale, mushrooms, or asparagus. Avoid adding starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, or peas, as they will add Points®.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Using a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (without potatoes, corn, or peas) is a convenient and effective shortcut for this recipe.
You Must Know
The zero Points® value is based on the official Weight Watchers guidelines. Individual results and point values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. It is always the member’s responsibility to calculate the final Points® value based on their exact ingredients and the plan they are following. This recipe is a tool, not an official Weight Watchers calculation.
Storage Tips
- Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- This soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.