This Vegetable Soup with Herb Croutons is a wholesome, comforting meal that’s packed with fresh vegetables and warming spices. The creamy texture of the soup is balanced by the crunchy, flavorful herb croutons, creating the perfect combination of comfort and texture. It’s an ideal dish for a cozy evening or when you need something hearty yet light. You’ll love how quickly this soup comes together, and the croutons are an easy way to elevate this simple dish!
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times:
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Yield: Serves 4-6
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Cuisine: Comfort Food
Full List of Ingredients:
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For the Soup:
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1 onion, finely chopped
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30 g (2 tablespoons) butter
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2-3 cloves garlic, minced
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1-2 carrots, chopped
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2 zucchinis, sliced
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2-3 potatoes, diced
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½ teaspoon coriander
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon cumin
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1 liter (4 cups) chicken stock
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150 ml (⅔ cup) cream
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
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For the Herb Croutons:
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2-3 slices of bread (baguette or your choice), cubed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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A pinch of salt
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Step-by-Step Cooking Directions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. Chop the carrots, zucchini, and potatoes into cubes, ensuring that all the pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and fry for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the chopped carrots to the pot and sauté for an additional 5 minutes. Then, stir in the zucchini, potatoes, coriander, paprika, and cumin. Mix everything well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
4. Cook the Soup: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You can test the doneness of the potatoes by piercing them with a fork.
5. Prepare the Croutons: While the soup is simmering, take 2-3 slices of bread (baguette or your choice) and cut them into cubes. Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the bread cubes until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
6. Blend the Soup: Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup to a regular blender. Blend the soup to your desired consistency. For a smoother soup, blend it thoroughly. For a chunkier version, blend just a little.
7. Add Cream and Season: Stir in the cream and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently over low heat without bringing it to a boil, as this may cause the cream to separate.
8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the herb croutons and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately while warm.
Serving Suggestions:
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Pair the soup with a green salad for a light meal.
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Serve with extra croutons or a dollop of sour cream for added richness and texture.
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Enjoy with garlic bread for a heartier dinner option, perfect for dipping in the soup.
Cooking Tips:
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If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
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Adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more stock or water if the soup is too thick.
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Feel free to customize the spices to suit your taste. You can experiment with adding thyme, rosemary, or turmeric for a different flavor profile.
Variations to Try:
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Add protein: Add shredded chicken or cooked quinoa for a more filling meal.
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Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to spice up the soup.
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Vegetarian version: Skip the cream and add a dollop of Greek yogurt instead for a creamy texture without dairy.
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Roast the veggies: For extra flavor, you can roast the carrots, zucchini, and potatoes before adding them to the soup.
Conclusion:
This Vegetable Soup with Herb Croutons is a perfect example of comfort food at its finest. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor from the combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and creamy texture. The homemade herb croutons add the perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth soup. It’s ideal for a cozy family dinner, and you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section:
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.
2. Can I freeze the soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove when ready to serve.
3. Can I use other vegetables in the soup? Absolutely! You can substitute or add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free bread for the croutons.
5. Can I make the croutons without butter? Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter to make the croutons dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
6. Can I make the soup spicier? Yes, you can add chili flakes or fresh chilies for a spicier kick. Adjust according to your heat preference.
7. Can I use store-bought croutons? Yes, store-bought croutons can be used instead of homemade ones, but homemade croutons add a fresh, extra crunch and flavor.
8. Can I use coconut milk instead of cream? Yes, coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to cream, giving the soup a slightly different flavor profile.
9. How do I store leftover croutons? Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
10. What can I add to the soup for more flavor? Try adding a splash of lemon juice, a dash of soy sauce, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added depth of flavor.