Hearty Vegetable Soup

This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish that brings together a variety of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs in a rich, flavorful broth. With its combination of hearty potatoes, colorful peppers, and flavorful leeks, this soup is not only healthy but also warming and filling. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly day or when you need something quick, satisfying, and full of wholesome goodness. The addition of noodles adds a nice touch, making it a complete and hearty meal. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side, this vegetable soup is sure to be a family favorite!

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 onion, chopped
• Olive oil for frying
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 200ml (1 cup) vegetable broth
• 1.5 liters (7 cups) vegetable broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 100g (1/2 cup) noodles
• Dried parsley, to taste
• 2 bay leaves

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Start by chopping all your vegetables: onion, celery, carrot, red pepper, green pepper, garlic, and leek. Peel and dice the potatoes.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
• Add the garlic, celery, carrot, and both red and green peppers. Continue sautéing for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Cook the Leeks and Potatoes:

• Add the sliced leek and diced potatoes to the pot, and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine.

4. Thicken the Soup Base:

• Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat the vegetables with the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.

5. Add Broth and Seasoning:

• Slowly pour in 200ml of vegetable broth and 1.5 liters of vegetable broth, stirring constantly to ensure the flour is fully incorporated into the liquid.
• Add the bay leaves, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.

6. Simmer the Soup:

• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

7. Add the Noodles:

• Once the vegetables are tender, add the 100g of noodles to the pot and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are soft and fully cooked.

8. Final Touches:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or dried parsley to your liking.
• Remove the bay leaves before serving.

9. Serve:

• Ladle the hot vegetable soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra dried parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

• With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a piece of garlic bread for a comforting, hearty meal.
• As a Starter: This soup works great as a starter for a larger meal. Pair it with a light salad or sandwich for a well-rounded lunch.
• Topped with Cheese: Add a sprinkle of grated cheese (such as parmesan) to each bowl for extra flavor and richness.

Cooking Tips

• Broth Tip: You can use store-bought vegetable broth or homemade broth. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari to the broth.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or peas. You can adjust the ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have in your pantry.
• Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender, leaving some chunks for texture.

Variations to Try

• Add Protein: You can add chickpeas, lentils, or shredded chicken to the soup for added protein.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Version: Ensure that the vegetable broth is vegan and skip any dairy toppings to keep it plant-based.

Nutritional Benefits

• Potatoes: A great source of potassium and vitamin C, potatoes help promote heart health and boost immunity.
• Peppers: Red and green peppers are rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, which contribute to eye health and overall wellness.
• Leeks and Celery: These vegetables provide fiber and minerals, supporting digestion and bone health.
• Garlic: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and potential to lower cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

This Hearty Vegetable Soup is not only satisfying and full of flavor but also packed with nutrients. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for any day of the week and works as a standalone meal or as part of a larger spread. The variety of vegetables and hearty potatoes make this soup both filling and nutritious, while the noodles add comfort and texture. Whether served as a family dinner or a quick lunch, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop and improve as it sits.

2. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove when ready to serve.

3. Can I add meat to this soup? Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, sausage, or beef to make the soup more hearty and filling.

4. Can I use gluten-free noodles? Yes, you can use gluten-free noodles in place of regular noodles. Just cook them according to the package instructions.

5. Can I substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth? Yes, if you’re not vegetarian, you can use chicken broth for a richer flavor.