Waste-Reducing Vegetable Soup Recipe

Warm Up This Winter with a Waste-Reducing Vegetable Soup Recipe

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a warm bowl of soup, and what better way to do it than with a recipe that also helps reduce food waste? At Sydasana, we believe in holistic wellness, which includes taking care of our planet. Today, we're sharing a hearty vegetable soup recipe that utilises common kitchen scraps and leftover ingredients, transforming them into a delicious and nourishing meal.

Why Reduce Food Waste?

Reducing food waste not only helps the environment by cutting down on methane emissions from landfills but also saves you money and makes the most of the food you buy. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, approximately one-third of all food produced globally is wasted. By using every part of the vegetables and getting creative with leftovers, we can make a positive impact.

The Winter Warming Vegetable Soup Recipe

This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, even those that are a bit past their prime. Here’s a basic guide to get you started:

Ingredients:

• Vegetable Broth - or use a good quality stock if you have it in the pantry. 

• 1 pot of vegetable scraps (peels, ends, and trimmings from onions, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs, etc.)

• Water to cover

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3-4 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, potatoes, squash, etc.), chopped

• 1 can of tomatoes (optional)

• 1 can of beans (optional)

• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano, etc.)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• A handful of fresh greens (spinach, kale, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Make the Vegetable Broth:

• Gather your vegetable scraps and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour.

• Strain the broth, discarding the solids. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Soup:

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent and fragrant.

• Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften.

• Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. If using, add the canned tomatoes and beans. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender.

• Season with dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir in the fresh greens and let them wilt in the hot soup.

3. Serve and Enjoy:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot. This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty sourdough. 

Tips for Reducing Food Waste

1. Plan Your Meals: Planning meals in advance helps you buy only what you need, reducing the chances of food going bad.

2. Store Food Properly: Proper storage can extend the life of your produce and leftovers.

3. Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with recipes using what you have on hand. Soups, stews, and casseroles are great for using up odds and ends.

4. Compost: If you do end up with scraps that you can't use, compost them to give back to the earth.

At Sydasana, we believe in wellness that encompasses both personal health and environmental responsibility. Enjoy your meal!