During one of my trips across the United States, I stopped at a Village Inn—a well-known casual-dining restaurant chain famous for its breakfasts, pies, and comfort foods. Though I had heard a lot about their pancakes and pie offerings, I was in the mood for something heartier, so I decided to try their soup of the day. To my delight, the soup turned out to be a delicious, rustic “Village Soup,” a hearty vegetable-based dish that instantly took me back to simpler, home-cooked meals.
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Village Inn is usually associated with classic American dishes, but this soup stood out because of its simple, farm-fresh ingredients and the comforting way it warmed me up on a chilly day. The recipe was so memorable that I tried recreating it at home with my own twist, adding a few personal touches to make it even more special. Here’s how I made my version of Village Soup, inspired by that delightful experience at Village Inn.
Ingredients:
To make this delicious Village Soup, you’ll need:
Vegetables:
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium leek, thinly sliced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 2 medium zucchinis, cubed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
Herbs & Spices:
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Liquids:
- 6 cups vegetable broth (chicken broth can be substituted)
- 2 cups water
- Optional: A dash of white wine (for added depth)
Optional Ingredients (for protein):
- 1 cup shredded chicken or beef chunks
- 1 cup cooked white beans (for a vegetarian option)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by prepping all your vegetables. Dice the onions, carrots, and potatoes. Mince the garlic, slice the leeks, and chop the green beans and zucchinis. The beauty of this soup lies in the freshness of these ingredients, so try to use farm-fresh vegetables if you can.
2. Sautéing:
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic first. Cook them until they’re translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the carrots, leeks, and zucchini. Stir and let them cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Add the Potatoes and Broth:
Now, add the potatoes and stir them with the other vegetables for a couple of minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if you’re using it), followed by the water. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add Herbs and Simmer:
Toss in the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and let the soup cook for about 25-30 minutes. The flavors of the herbs will infuse into the soup, and the vegetables will soften beautifully.
5. Blend or Leave Chunky:
At this point, you can decide if you want a smooth soup or prefer it chunky. If you like it smooth, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender, then pour it back into the pot. This will give the soup a creamy texture without needing any cream. If you prefer it chunky, skip this step.
6. Add Spinach and Optional Ingredients:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach. If you’re using shredded chicken or beef, now is the time to add it. For a vegetarian protein boost, add the cooked white beans.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Taste your soup. Does it need more salt or pepper? Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
8. Serve:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread for dipping.
Village Soup Cooking Timing Table
| Step | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare Ingredients | 10 minutes | Wash, chop, and dice all the vegetables: onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, leeks, green beans, zucchini. |
| Sauté Vegetables | 8 minutes | Sauté onions and garlic first, followed by carrots, leeks, and zucchini until slightly softened. |
| Add Potatoes & Broth | 5 minutes | Add potatoes and broth, stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil. |
| Simmer Soup | 25-30 minutes | Lower the heat, add herbs and seasonings, cover, and let the soup simmer until vegetables are tender. |
| Blend (Optional) | 5 minutes | Blend half the soup for a creamier texture (optional step). |
| Add Spinach & Optional Ingredients | 5 minutes | Stir in fresh spinach, shredded chicken, beef, or beans (optional). |
| Taste & Adjust Seasoning | 2 minutes | Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking. |
| Serve & Garnish | 2 minutes | Serve hot with fresh parsley garnish and some crusty bread. |
Total Time: 60 minutes
Tasting Notes: Why I Loved It at Village Inn
I had expected the usual comfort food fare that Village Inn is known for—burgers, sandwiches, and classic breakfast items—but I was pleasantly surprised by their Village Soup. It was a cold day, and this soup felt like the perfect remedy: warm, filling, and full of earthy flavors. The rich vegetable broth, combined with tender potatoes and sweet carrots, created a hearty base, while the herbs added depth and freshness.
What I loved most was how simple yet satisfying the soup was. It wasn’t heavy or overly complex, but it delivered comfort in every bite. Recreating this at home, I took the same approach: keeping the ingredients simple but focusing on flavor and freshness. Adding a little bit of white wine and spinach gave it an extra punch while maintaining its rustic charm.
Whenever I think of cozy, comforting meals, this soup immediately comes to mind, reminding me of that unexpected gem at Village Inn.
FAQ Section: Village Inn Soup Offerings
Here are some frequently asked questions about Village Inn’s soups, including questions about their chicken noodle and tomato basil soup.
Does Village Inn have Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, Village Inn offers Chicken Noodle Soup as a staple on their menu, especially during the colder months. It’s made with tender chunks of chicken, hearty egg noodles, and fresh vegetables like carrots and celery. This classic soup is a go-to choice for comfort food lovers, and it’s one of the top picks when you’re craving something warm and familiar.
Is Village Inn Tomato Basil Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, Village Inn’s Tomato Basil Soup is vegetarian. It features a smooth, creamy blend of tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a rich, comforting dish. However, it does contain dairy (usually cream or milk), so if you’re looking for a vegan option, this might not be the best choice. Always check with the staff if you have specific dietary restrictions.
What are the most popular soups at Village Inn?
Village Inn is known for rotating their soup selections based on the season. Their Chicken Noodle Soup and Tomato Basil Soup are fan favorites. They also occasionally offer Cream of Broccoli Soup, Vegetable Soup, and Loaded Potato Soup during the winter months. The availability of soups can vary, so it’s best to ask your local Village Inn about the soup of the day.
Are Village Inn soups made fresh daily?
Yes, Village Inn prides itself on serving soups made fresh daily. While some items on their menu might be pre-prepared, the soups are made in-house each day to ensure they’re as flavorful and fresh as possible. The rotating nature of their soup menu allows them to use seasonal ingredients, bringing out the best flavors.
Can I take Village Inn soup to go?
Yes! Village Inn offers their soups for takeout. You can enjoy their hearty bowls of soup at home or on the go, making it easy to get your comfort food fix even if you don’t have time to dine in.
Does Village Inn have gluten-free soup options?
While some soups at Village Inn may naturally be gluten-free, such as their vegetable-based soups, it’s important to ask the staff for specifics. Soups that contain noodles or are thickened with flour will not be gluten-free. Always inquire about gluten-free options or look for a gluten-free designation on the menu.
What time of year does Village Inn offer the most variety of soups?
Village Inn typically offers the widest variety of soups during the colder months, particularly in fall and winter. This is when heartier, more comforting soups like Potato Soup, Broccoli Cheddar, and Chicken Noodle Soup are most popular. Their offerings are lighter in the warmer months, but they still feature classics like Tomato Basil Soup year-round.
Personal Notes: Recreating Village Soup at Home
Although Village Inn’s version of Village Soup was incredible, I loved recreating this soup at home with my own twist. The flexibility of the recipe allows you to adjust it to suit your personal taste, and there’s something so rewarding about preparing a big pot of soup from scratch.
Whether you’ve had a comforting bowl of soup at Village Inn or you’re simply looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal at home, this Village Soup is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy it with family, friends, or on your own—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
