This Creamy Vegetable Soup is packed with hearty vegetables, rich flavors, and a smooth, velvety texture. Topped with crispy ciabatta croutons, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or as a nutritious appetizer.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 leek, sliced
- 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Croutons:
- Ciabatta bread, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Garnish:
- 1 chili pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Finish:
- 200 ml oat flakes milk or soy cream
Directions
Prepare the Soup:
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté onions, celery, and leek until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add cauliflower and potatoes. Stir well.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Prepare the Croutons:
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add cubed ciabatta bread and fry until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
Make the Garnish:
- In the same pan, sauté chili pepper, garlic, and parsley until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Set aside.
Blend the Soup:
- Once the vegetables are soft, use a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Return the blended soup to the pot and place it back on the stove.
Add the Creamy Finish:
- Stir in the oat flakes milk or soy cream. Mix well and heat gently without boiling.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with crispy ciabatta croutons and garnish with the chili-garlic-parsley mixture.
- Enjoy warm!
5 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of mixed greens for a light meal.
- Serve with extra ciabatta slices brushed with garlic butter.
- Top with grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
- Add roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich or bruschetta.
Cooking Tips
- Use a high-speed blender for a silky-smooth texture.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if needed.
- For extra richness, use coconut cream instead of soy cream.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently to prevent splitting when using plant-based creams.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cauliflower: Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Potatoes: Provide energy, potassium, and vitamin C.
- Leek and Celery: Add flavor and essential minerals.
- Oat Milk/Soy Cream: Dairy-free, creamy, and heart-healthy options.
Dietary Information
- Vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-free (use gluten-free bread for croutons).
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Serves 6)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, hearty, and perfect for any season.
- Packed with healthy vegetables and plant-based ingredients.
- Customizable with different toppings and garnishes.
- Easy to prepare in under an hour.
Conclusion
This Creamy Vegetable Soup with Ciabatta Croutons is comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. With its rich texture and crunchy toppings, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Try it today for a nourishing meal that’s quick and easy to make!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen cauliflower and potatoes work well.
- Can I use regular cream? Absolutely, substitute oat milk or soy cream with heavy cream.
- How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- What can I substitute for ciabatta? Use any bread you prefer, like baguette or sourdough.
- Can I make it spicy? Add more chili or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Can I add protein? Stir in cooked beans, lentils, or shredded chicken.
- What if I don’t have a blender? Use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
- Can I skip the garnish? Yes, but it adds extra flavor and presentation.
- Is it freezer-friendly? Yes, freeze in portions and thaw before reheating.
- Can I add extra vegetables? Absolutely! Carrots, spinach, or peas can enhance the flavor and texture.