Creamy Vegetable Soup with Herb Toasts is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful meal that makes a perfect choice for any season. This wholesome soup features a variety of vibrant vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, and potatoes, all simmered to tender perfection in a lightly seasoned broth. Finished with a touch of cream, it has a luscious texture that feels both hearty and light. Paired with crispy herb toasts brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh parsley, this soup is a delightful dish to enjoy with family or friends. Plus, it’s easy to make, vegetarian-friendly, and can be adjusted to fit your taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• Onion: 1, chopped
• Olive Oil: for frying
• Carrot: 1, diced
• Red Bell Pepper: 1, diced
• Zucchini: 2, diced
• Potatoes: 2, peeled and diced
• Water: enough to cover vegetables
• Salt: to taste
• Black Pepper: to taste
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh Dill: chopped (optional)
• Fresh Parsley: chopped (optional)
• Cream: 100 ml (20% fat)

For the Herb Toasts:

• Bread: 3 slices
• Olive Oil: for brushing
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Fresh Parsley: chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Heat the Olive Oil
   In a large pot, add a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm up, but avoid smoking.
2. Add the Onion and Garlic
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Remaining Vegetables
   Toss in the diced carrot, red bell pepper, zucchini, and potatoes. Stir and cook the vegetables for another 5 minutes, allowing them to start softening.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup

1. Add Water
   Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables completely. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Bring to a Boil
   Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Blend and Add Cream

1. Blend the Soup (Optional)
   If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the vegetables until they reach your desired texture. Alternatively, leave it chunky for a more rustic feel.
2. Add Fresh Herbs and Cream
   Stir in fresh dill and parsley for extra flavor. Then, pour in the cream, stirring gently until the soup is well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Herb Toasts

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or use a skillet if you prefer stove-top toasting.
2. Brush Bread with Olive Oil
   Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet. Brush each slice with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Add Fresh Parsley
   Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the bread slices for extra flavor.
4. Bake Until Crisp
   Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy. If using a skillet, toast each slice for about 2-3 minutes on each side over medium heat.

Step 5: Serve

1. Ladle the Soup
   Spoon the creamy vegetable soup into bowls.
2. Add Toasts on the Side
   Serve with the herb toasts on the side for dipping or enjoy them as a crunchy topping by crumbling pieces into the soup.