The Weight Watchers Basic Veggie Soup is a delicious, comforting, and healthy choice for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet while keeping SmartPoints low. This recipe is packed with a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich vegetables and is designed to be filling, satisfying, and easy to prepare. The beauty of this soup is not only in its great taste but also in its versatility. You can adjust it based on what vegetables are in season, what you have in your kitchen, or your personal taste preferences.

This soup is ideal for meal prepping, making it a convenient choice for those busy weeks when you need to have a healthy, low-point meal on hand. Each serving is incredibly low in SmartPoints, making it a perfect choice for those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program.

Ingredients:

  • Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Celery: 2 stalks, diced (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Onion: 1 medium onion, diced (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Zucchini: 1 medium zucchini, diced (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Green beans: 1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Cabbage: 2 cups, chopped (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Spinach: 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), no salt added (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Low-sodium vegetable broth: 4 cups (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp (WW SmartPoints: 1)
  • Bay leaves: 2 (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Dried thyme: 1 tsp (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Dried oregano: 1 tsp (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Salt and pepper: To taste (WW SmartPoints: 0)
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp (optional, for added freshness) (WW SmartPoints: 0)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Begin by washing and prepping all the vegetables. Peel and dice the carrots, chop the celery, onion, zucchini, and green beans, and finely mince the garlic. Chop the cabbage and spinach as well. This step is essential to ensure that all the vegetables cook evenly and integrate into the soup easily.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. This step helps build the foundational flavors of your soup.
  3. Add the root vegetables: Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to allow the vegetables to soften slightly. The carrots and celery form the base of the soup and add a nice texture.
  4. Add the remaining vegetables: Stir in the zucchini, green beans, and cabbage. These vegetables will add both flavor and fiber to the soup, making it more filling and satisfying. Let these vegetables cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  5. Pour in the liquids: Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients. The broth and tomatoes will provide a rich, savory liquid for the soup, while the tomato paste will deepen the flavor.
  6. Season the soup: Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. These herbs and spices are key to infusing the soup with flavor, so be sure to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Stir everything together so that the spices are well-distributed.
  7. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
  8. Add spinach and finish: About 5 minutes before the soup is done, stir in the chopped spinach. This will wilt down and add an extra boost of nutrients without adding significant calories or SmartPoints.
  9. Taste and adjust: Once the soup is finished, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a bit of acidity, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
  10. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. This basic veggie soup can be enjoyed on its own or with a slice of whole-grain bread or a side salad if desired. You can also store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for future meals.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 80 kcal
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbs: 17g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • WW SmartPoints: 1 SmartPoint per serving

Smart WW Points Breakdown:

This Weight Watchers Basic Veggie Soup is designed to be low in SmartPoints, making it an excellent choice for those tracking their points while following the WW program. Here’s a breakdown of how the ingredients contribute to the SmartPoints:

  • Vegetables: All the vegetables in this soup, including carrots, celery, zucchini, spinach, green beans, and cabbage, are 0 SmartPoints. These nutrient-dense foods are the foundation of this recipe, providing a high volume of food for very few calories.
  • Olive Oil: The only ingredient contributing points is the olive oil, which adds 1 SmartPoint. Olive oil is a healthy fat source, but it should still be used in moderation.
  • Broth and Seasonings: Both the vegetable broth and seasonings (like thyme, oregano, and garlic) contribute zero SmartPoints, making them an excellent way to infuse rich flavors into the soup without adding extra points.
  • Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: These are also 0 SmartPoints, adding necessary moisture and flavor depth to the soup.

Why This Soup is Perfect for Weight Watchers:

The WW Basic Veggie Soup is a stellar option for anyone following the WW program because it is low in points, but high in nutrients and fiber. The key to staying full and satisfied on any weight loss journey is eating meals that are both nutritious and filling, and this soup delivers on both fronts.

  • Low in SmartPoints: Each serving of this soup costs just 1 SmartPoint, so you can eat a generous portion without worrying about overindulging on your daily SmartPoints allowance.
  • Packed with Fiber: Vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and spinach are excellent sources of fiber, which helps keep you full for longer, reduces cravings, and supports digestive health. Fiber also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, making this soup an excellent choice for those looking to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
  • High in Nutrients: The variety of vegetables included in this soup means you get a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron. These nutrients support a healthy immune system, promote skin health, and maintain muscle function.

Tips for Customizing Your WW Basic Veggie Soup:

  1. Add Protein: If you want to increase the protein content of your soup, consider adding lean proteins such as grilled chicken, turkey breast, or even beans. This will add minimal SmartPoints while boosting satiety.
  2. Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup for an extra kick.
  3. Use Broth Alternatives: If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or water, but keep in mind that using water will result in a slightly milder flavor.
  4. Bulk It Up: Add extra low-calorie vegetables, like mushrooms or cauliflower, for added volume without increasing the SmartPoints.
  5. Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like basil, rosemary, or parsley to give the soup a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can add even more depth to the taste.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips:

This Weight Watchers Basic Veggie Soup is perfect for meal prep and can be made in large batches to enjoy throughout the week. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

  • Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup thickens. Simply heat in a microwave or on the stovetop until warm.

The Benefits of This Recipe:

This Weight Watchers Basic Veggie Soup offers several key benefits for those following a healthy eating plan:

  • Weight Loss-Friendly: With only 1 SmartPoint per serving, this soup fits perfectly into a Weight Watchers program. It’s an ideal snack or main meal that won’t derail your progress while helping you stay full and satisfied.
  • Great for Detox: The high content of vegetables, especially leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, make this soup a fantastic choice for those looking to detoxify and cleanse the body.
  • Comforting and Hearty: Despite being low in calories and SmartPoints, this soup is surprisingly hearty and comforting, making it perfect for colder months or as a light yet satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts:

The Weight Watchers Basic Veggie Soup is not only a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan, but it’s also a great way to load up on nutritious, zero-point vegetables while keeping your SmartPoints low. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and ideal for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while staying within their SmartPoint limits. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or simply craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup, this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try today and enjoy the benefits of this wholesome, delicious dish!