Creamy Vegetable Soup with Herb Croutons

This Creamy Vegetable Soup is one of my all-time favorites! It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients like zucchini, potatoes, and carrots. The homemade herb croutons add a delightful crunch, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • Onion: 1, finely chopped
  • Butter: 30 g (2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
  • Carrots: 1-2, chopped
  • Zucchini: 2, sliced
  • Potatoes: 2-3, diced
  • Coriander: ½ teaspoon
  • Paprika: ½ teaspoon
  • Cumin: ½ teaspoon
  • Chicken stock: 1 liter (4 cups)
  • Cream: 150 ml (⅔ cup)
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Fresh parsley: 1 bunch, finely chopped

For the Herb Croutons:

  • Bread (baguette or your choice): 2-3 slices, cubed
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt: A pinch

Directions

  • Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Finely chop the onion and garlic. Chop the carrots, zucchini, and potatoes into cubes.
  • Sauté the Vegetables:
    • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
    • Stir in the garlic and fry for another minute.
  • Add Vegetables and Spices:
    • Add the chopped carrots and fry for 5 minutes.
    • Stir in the zucchini, potatoes, coriander, paprika, and cumin. Mix well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
  • Cook the Soup:
    • Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  • Prepare the Croutons:
    • While the soup simmers, cut the bread into cubes. Toss with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
    • Toast the bread cubes in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Set aside.
  • Blend the Soup:
    • Once the vegetables are tender, blend the soup to your desired consistency using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
  • Add Cream and Season:
    • Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently without boiling.
  • Garnish and Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with herb croutons and chopped fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a green salad for a light meal.
  • Serve with extra croutons or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
  • Enjoy with a side of garlic bread for a hearty dinner.

Cooking Tips

  • Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian option.
  • Adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more stock or water if it’s too thick.
  • Customize the spices to suit your taste by adding chili powder for a spicy kick or curry powder for an exotic twist.

Nutritional Benefits

  • High in vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.
  • Cream provides a dose of healthy fats for a rich texture.
  • Low in calories and high in fiber, making it a wholesome meal option.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian option: Use vegetable stock.
  • Gluten-free option: Ensure the croutons are made with gluten-free bread.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 4 servings)

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fats: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
  • Freezer: Freeze the soup (without cream) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir in the cream while reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and quick to prepare with everyday ingredients.
  • Perfectly creamy and full of flavor with a hint of spice.
  • Easy to customize to your dietary preferences.
  • Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.

Conclusion
This Creamy Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table. With its silky texture, aromatic spices, and crunchy croutons, it’s a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or shared with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Bon appétit!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
    Yes, replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative.
  2. Can I add other vegetables?
    Absolutely! Broccoli, celery, or sweet potatoes would work wonderfully.
  3. How do I make the soup thicker?
    Use less stock or blend a larger portion of the soup.
  4. Can I use store-bought croutons?
    Yes, store-bought croutons save time and are just as delicious.
  5. What can I use instead of parsley?
    Try cilantro, chives, or dill for a different flavor profile.
  6. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
    Yes, freeze the soup without the cream and add it after reheating.
  7. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
    Ensure the soup is not boiling when adding the cream, and stir constantly.
  8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
    Yes, use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley instead of fresh.
  9. How do I make the soup spicier?
    Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
  10. What bread works best for croutons?
    Baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta are excellent choices for making croutons.

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious soup! 😊