Vegetable Soup

Introduction

Hearty Vegetable Soup is a nourishing and comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Whether it’s a chilly day or you simply need a cozy meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

30ml olive oil
150g onion, diced
100g carrots, sliced
100g celery, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
200g potatoes, diced
400g canned diced tomatoes
1.2L vegetable broth
150g green beans, chopped
100g zucchini, diced
100g corn kernels
100g peas
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp paprika
10g fresh parsley, chopped

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Enjoy this hearty and vibrant vegetable soup as a part of your healthy eating routine, and feel free to customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables. It’s a simple recipe that celebrates the beauty of fresh produce and can easily fit into any dietary lifestyle. Serve warm and experience the comfort it brings!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Heat Olive Oil

Heat 30ml of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add 150g diced onion, 100g sliced carrots, and 100g sliced celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3: Add Garlic

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

Step 4: Incorporate Potatoes and Broth

Add 200g diced potatoes, 400g canned diced tomatoes, and 1.2L vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Remaining Vegetables and Seasoning

Introduce 150g chopped green beans, 100g diced zucchini, 100g corn kernels, and 100g peas to the pot. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Stir well and simmer for another 15 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in 10g chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the soup warm and enjoy your nourishing bowl of hearty vegetable soup.

Notes

Storage

The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Customization

Feel free to customize the soup by adding any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

Spice Level

For a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to taste while cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover Hearty Vegetable Soup, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. When reheating, ensure that it is heated thoroughly before serving. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

Serving Suggestions

This Hearty Vegetable Soup can be served with a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette for a complete meal. Consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. You might also enjoy serving it alongside a simple green salad to enhance the nutrition of your meal.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Hearty Vegetable Soup contains approximately:
– Calories: 160
– Protein: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 7g
– Sugars: 5g
– Total Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 1g
– Sodium: 450mg
Note that nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’d like to modify the recipe, consider these substitutions:
– Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
– Instead of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove) if fresh garlic isn’t available.
– Any type of root vegetable, like sweet potatoes or parsnips, can substitute for the potatoes.
– For the canned diced tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes (about 4 medium-sized, diced) if preferred.
– You can swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
– If you have other vegetables on hand, feel free to incorporate them, such as bell peppers, spinach, or kale, to enhance the soup further.

Cook techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil over medium to high heat. In this recipe, the onion, carrots, and celery are sautéed to soften and enhance their flavors.

Simmering

Simmering is a gentle cooking technique where food is cooked just below boiling point, allowing flavors to meld together. The soup is simmered after adding the broth and vegetables to ensure the ingredients cook thoroughly and develop a rich taste.

Adjusting Seasoning

Adjusting seasoning is important for enhancing the flavor of the dish. After simmering, always taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed to achieve the desired taste.

FAQ

Can I use different vegetables in the soup?

Yes, you can customize the soup with seasonal vegetables or your personal favorites. Just ensure that the cooking times for the new vegetables match so they cook evenly.

How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance. The flavors improve as it sits. Just reheat before serving.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this hearty vegetable soup is naturally gluten-free as it uses vegetable broth and does not contain any wheat products.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup goes well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a sandwich for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a delicious and nutritious option for any day, providing warmth and comfort with every bowl. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and seasoned to perfection, it is perfect for maintaining a healthy diet while satisfying your taste buds. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with a side, this soup serves as a hearty meal that everyone will love.

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