This Creamy Vegetable Soup with Aromatic Croutons is a warm, comforting meal packed with nutrients and flavor. Made with a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, this soup is perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a hearty, wholesome dish. The creamy texture and subtle spice create a luxurious and flavorful experience, while the homemade croutons add a delightful crunch. This recipe is easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients, and is versatile enough to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Soup
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2, diced
- Celery Stalks: 3, chopped
- Potatoes: 2, peeled and diced
- Frozen Peas: 350 grams
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: To taste
- Oregano: To taste
- Nutmeg: A pinch
- Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: A few sprigs
- Vegetable Broth: Enough to cover the vegetables (approximately 4-5 cups)
- Cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
For the Aromatic Croutons
- Bread Slices: 2, cubed
- Olive Oil: As needed
- Salt: To taste
- Dried Garlic: To taste
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: To taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: To taste
- Oregano: To taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, chopped celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, and a pinch of nutmeg into the pot. Add the fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for an extra aromatic touch.
- Add the Broth: Pour in enough vegetable broth to cover the vegetables, usually around 4-5 cups. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
- Remove the Herbs: Take out the thyme or rosemary sprigs from the soup.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup to your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, blend longer; for a chunkier texture, pulse the blender a few times.
- Add the Cream: Stir in the cream, making the soup rich and velvety. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 4: Prepare the Aromatic Croutons
- Season the Bread Cubes: Place the cubed bread slices in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, dried garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and oregano.
- Bake the Croutons: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning once for even toasting. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the Soup: Pour the warm soup into bowls.
- Garnish and Add Croutons: Top each bowl with a handful of aromatic croutons, fresh thyme or parsley, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Serves 4)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! To make the soup dairy-free, simply replace the cream with coconut milk, almond milk, or a splash of unsweetened oat milk. These alternatives provide a creamy texture without the dairy.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all vegetables are tender.
What type of bread works best for croutons?
A slightly stale bread or a crusty loaf, like a baguette or sourdough, works well for making croutons. It holds up better in the oven, giving you a crunchy, satisfying texture.
Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Vegetable Soup with Aromatic Croutons
- Choose Fresh Herbs for Best Flavor: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary brings out a more aromatic flavor than dried herbs. For a boost of flavor, add a few fresh basil or parsley leaves when blending.
- Blending Options: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Be sure to leave a vent open on the blender lid to prevent steam build-up.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or simmer longer. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or cream until it reaches your desired texture.
- Make Extra Croutons: These homemade croutons are so delicious and versatile. Consider making a double batch to use in other soups or salads throughout the week.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well, though you may want to freeze it before adding the cream, as dairy can sometimes separate during freezing. Once cooled, pour the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, then reheat and add cream when serving.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results. You may need to add a bit of extra broth to reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion
This Creamy Vegetable Soup with Aromatic Croutons is the perfect comfort food that’s nutritious, filling, and easy to make. From the creamy, flavorful soup to the crunchy, aromatic croutons, every bite is satisfying and full of goodness. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a meal-prep option, or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. Pair it with a fresh salad or enjoy it on its own, and savor the comforting flavors of this wholesome soup.