As the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of homemade soup. At the Fredericksburg Food Co-op, we’re all about bringing the community together over nourishing, sustainable, and delicious food. This cozy soup recipe features fresh, local ingredients that you can pick up right here at the Co-op. It’s perfect for those frosty evenings when you need a little extra warmth and comfort.

This soup is packed with seasonal vegetables, making it both hearty and healthy. The recipe is vegetarian and can easily be adapted to vegan or gluten-free preferences.

Ingredients:

You can find most of these ingredients at the Fredericksburg Food Co-op!

• 2 tbsp olive oil (try our locally sourced Virginia olive oil)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup butternut squash, cubed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 6 cups vegetable broth (look for low-sodium, organic broth at the Co-op)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• Optional garnish: freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients: Gather all your fresh produce and pantry items from the Co-op to make prepping a breeze.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Build the base: Add carrots, celery, sweet potato, and butternut squash to the pot. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly.
4. Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and vegetable broth. Stir in thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
5. Let it simmer: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potato and squash are fork-tender.
6. Add the beans and greens: Stir in the white beans or chickpeas and the chopped kale or spinach. Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
7. Taste and adjust: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a side of crusty bread from a local bakery or a slice of fresh sourdough from the Co-op’s bakery section. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or drizzle with balsamic glaze for a flavorful finish.

Why Shop at the Fredericksburg Food Co-op?

The ingredients in this recipe highlight the incredible local produce and products available at the Co-op. By shopping here, you’re not only getting fresh, high-quality food but also supporting local farmers and producers. Plus, the Co-op is a hub for community engagement, sustainability initiatives, and delicious inspiration like this!

So next time you’re craving something warm and comforting, swing by the Fredericksburg Food Co-op, stock up on fresh ingredients, and whip up this hearty soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just enjoying solo with a good book.

Stay cozy and happy cooking!