Green Vegetable Soup with Aromatic Croutons

This Green Vegetable Soup with Aromatic Croutons is a nutritious, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for cooler days or as a light lunch. Packed with healthy vegetables like celery, broccoli, potatoes, and peas, it provides a boost of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The soup is simmered in vegetable stock until the vegetables are tender and then blended to create a velvety smooth texture. The result is a warming, satisfying soup that’s both delicious and wholesome.

Paired with homemade aromatic croutons, this dish takes on an added layer of texture and flavor. The croutons are seasoned with garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes, then toasted to golden perfection, adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful of soup. Whether you’re making this soup for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • Celery – 300 g, chopped
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Potatoes – 3, peeled and diced
  • Courgette (Zucchini) – 1, chopped
  • Parsley – 35 g, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper – to taste
  • Vegetable stock – 1 liter
  • Broccoli – 1 head, chopped
  • Frozen peas – 1 cup

For the Aromatic Croutons:

  • Bread – 3 slices, cut into cubes
  • Salt – to taste
  • Olive oil – for drizzling
  • Dried garlic – to taste
  • Red pepper flakes – to taste
  • Italian herbs – to taste
  • Butter – 1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables for the Soup:

  • Begin by chopping the celery, courgette, and potatoes into small, even-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley.
  • Set all the vegetables aside while you prepare the soup base.

2. Cook the Soup Base:

  • In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the chopped celery, courgette, and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir the vegetables together and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
  • Pour in 1 liter of vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

3. Add the Remaining Vegetables:

  • Once the soup base is boiling, add the chopped broccoli, frozen peas, and chopped parsley to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preferences.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.

4. Blend the Soup:

  • Once the vegetables are fully cooked and tender, remove the pot from heat.
  • Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but be cautious with hot liquids.
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or black pepper if necessary.

5. Prepare the Aromatic Croutons:

  • While the soup is simmering, prepare the croutons. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Cut the bread slices into small cubes and place them on a baking sheet.
  • Drizzle the bread cubes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, dried garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs. Add 1 teaspoon of melted butter to enhance the flavor.
  • Toss the bread cubes until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
  • Bake the croutons in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

6. Serve:

  • Ladle the blended soup into bowls and top each bowl with a handful of the aromatic croutons.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.
  • Serve warm and enjoy this healthy, hearty soup with a side of crusty bread if desired.

Cooking Tips

  • Blending the Soup: If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend only half of the soup mixture and leave some of the vegetables intact. This gives the soup a more textured consistency.
  • Crouton Variations: Feel free to experiment with different bread types for the croutons, such as sourdough or whole grain. You can also add other herbs or spices to the crouton seasoning, like smoked paprika or rosemary, for additional flavor.
  • Adding Creaminess: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of coconut milk, cream, or a dairy-free alternative after blending the soup.
  • Vegetable Stock: If you don’t have vegetable stock on hand, you can use water and add vegetable bouillon cubes or powder for flavor. Adjust the salt content accordingly.

Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
  • Croutons: The croutons are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Re-toast them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness before serving.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg

Please note that these values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.


FAQs

1. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or leeks to the soup for added nutrition. Just be mindful of the cooking time for each vegetable to ensure everything cooks evenly.

2. Can I make this soup vegan?

This soup is already vegan as it uses vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients. Just ensure that the croutons are made with olive oil and dairy-free bread to keep the recipe fully plant-based.

3. Can I make the soup in advance?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

4. What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread, a green salad, or a light sandwich. The aromatic croutons add texture and flavor, but feel free to serve the soup with additional bread on the side.

5. How do I keep the croutons crispy?

To keep the croutons crispy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they lose their crispiness, re-toast them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.


Conclusion

This Green Vegetable Soup with Aromatic Croutons is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. The combination of celery, broccoli, potatoes, and peas provides a rich source of vitamins and fiber, while the aromatic croutons add a delightful crunch that complements the smooth, creamy texture of the soup. Whether served as a starter or a light main course, this soup is a delicious and versatile option that’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

With the simple addition of homemade croutons, you can elevate the dish from a basic vegetable soup to a satisfying, full-flavored meal. Enjoy the earthy, fresh flavors of the vegetables, balanced with the tang of garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes. Serve it warm, and savor every bite!