Hearty Country Vegetable Soup

1.Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2.Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

3.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4.Add the sliced carrots and diced celery to the pot, cooking for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

5.Incorporate the diced potato, zucchini, and bell pepper, stirring well to combine.

6.Add the chopped green beans and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7.Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth, stirring to combine all ingredients.

8.Season the soup with dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste.

9.Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.

10.Add the corn and peas, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

11.Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

12.Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.