Mom's 8 Veggie Soup (gf + df + vegan option)

I stole this soup recipe from my Mom, and it’s packed with all the goodness. It’s loaded with 8 different types of veggies, making this soup super immune-boosting and nutrient dense. Perfect for those colder months when your body is in need of a warm, comforting pick-me-up. The pureed butternut squash and cauliflower add so much depth to the flavors and really help thicken up the soup to make it totally satisfying.

This recipe makes a HUGE batch, so it’s a great Sunday meal prep option and freezes well!

Ingredients:

2 large white onions

10 celery stalks

8 carrots

2 zucchini

2-32 oz. cartons chicken broth

2-32 oz. cartons vegetable broth

3 tbsp dried parsley

2 tbsp Italian seasoning herb blend

1 cup cherry tomato halves

1 butternut squash

½ head of cauliflower

4 cups baby spinach

4 chicken breasts

Olive oil

1 lemon

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Peel and chop the butternut squash and cauliflower. Add to a pot with some water and steam until soft. Set aside.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and cover with a drizzle of olive oil, plus juice from the lemon. Bake for about 20 minutes, until they are almost done (the chicken will cook a little more while simmering in the soup). Set aside.
4. Finely dice the onions, cut the celery into very thin slices, and chop the carrots. Add to a soup pot with a good drizzle of olive oil and saute until the onions are slightly browned and caramelized (about 10 minutes).
5. Slice the zucchini and add to the pot. Saute for about 3-5 minutes longer. Add more olive oil as necessary.
6. Add all 4 cartons of broth to the pot and bring to a simmer.
7. While the broth is heating, cut the tomatoes into halves and add to the soup with the spices.
8. Mash the steamed butternut squash and cauliflower, or use a blender to puree them. Add to the soup.
9. Slice the chicken breasts and add to the soup. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
10. Finally, stir in the baby spinach and let it simmer for 5 more minutes.
11. Enjoy!

*To make vegan, omit chicken and substitute 2 more veggie broths for the chicken broth.