01 -
Alright, first things first! Grab a big pot or Dutch oven and get that olive oil shimmering over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir 'em around for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften up a bit. You'll smell that sweet, earthy aroma filling your kitchen—that's the good stuff beginning! I always make sure they're tender but not browned; we're building a gentle base for our Veggie Pot Pie Soup here.
02 -
Now for the garlic! Add your minced garlic to the pot and cook for just a minute until it’s fragrant. Seriously, don’t let it burn; burnt garlic is a tragedy. Then, sprinkle in the flour and stir it constantly for another minute or two. This creates a roux, thickening our soup later. It'll look a little pasty, and honestly, sometimes I worry I've messed it up, but trust the process for a luscious Veggie Pot Pie Soup!
03 -
Slowly, ever so slowly, whisk in your vegetable broth. I find adding it gradually helps prevent lumps. Once that's smooth, pour in the milk. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and starting to look like a creamy dream. This is where your Veggie Pot Pie Soup really starts to take shape!
04 -
Toss in your dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This gives all those lovely flavors time to meld and for the vegetables to get nice and tender. Don't rush this part; patience is key for a truly flavorful Veggie Pot Pie Soup.
05 -
Once your base veggies are tender, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until those peas are bright green and the corn is heated through. This step is so satisfying, seeing all those colors pop! I always give it another taste here and adjust the seasonings; sometimes it needs a little more salt to really shine.
06 -
Remove the bay leaf—seriously, don't forget it! Ladle your gorgeous, hearty Veggie Pot Pie Soup into bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must for me; it adds a fresh pop and makes it feel extra special. Serve it up hot and enjoy that comforting, crust-free goodness. Honestly, it's such a satisfying dinner!