Dice the onion into 1/2-inch pieces, mince the garlic cloves, slice the carrots into 1/4-inch rounds, chop the celery into bite-sized pieces, peel and cut the potato into 1-inch cubes, dice the red bell pepper, and chop the cabbage into 1-inch ribbons after removing the core. Measure out the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and green beans. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth and ensure ingredients cook evenly.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery, cooking for about 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aromatics. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant—this creates the flavorful foundation for the entire soup.

Stir in the Italian seasoning and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This brief toasting brings out the essential oils in the dried herbs, deepening their flavor throughout the soup. I find that this technique makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste compared to just dumping everything in at once.

Pour in the vegetable broth and water, then add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), potatoes, cabbage, green beans, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

Maintain a gentle simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The soup is ready when the potatoes and cabbage are fully tender and the flavors have melded together. I like to check the potatoes around the 20-minute mark—if they're easily pierced with a fork, the soup is done.

Remove the pot from heat and taste the soup. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference, then add a splash of balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add depth. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, serving alongside crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.