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Buy Now →When the weather turns chilly or whenever you need a comforting meal, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty homemade vegetable soup. This recipe is a medley of nourishing vegetables simmered to perfection, making it a wholesome choice for any day of the week. Featuring a robust selection of ingredients like potatoes, carrots, leeks, and celery, this soup is not only fulfilling but also brimming with flavors and textures that please the palate. It’s a fantastic way to make use of the season’s produce in a dish that is both healthy and heartwarming.
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: Serves 6
Ingredients:
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 400 grams waxy potatoes, peeled and diced
- 200 grams celery, chopped
- 200 grams leek, sliced
- 300 grams carrots, peeled and chopped
- Some parsley, chopped
- 75 grams herb butter
- 1.5 liters vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps
- Start with the Base: Begin by melting the herb butter in a large pot over medium heat. This butter, infused with herbs, adds a rich flavor that is the backbone of the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until the onions are translucent—a crucial step for building a deep flavor foundation.
- Add the Vegetables: Introduce the diced potatoes, chopped celery, sliced leek, and chopped carrots to the pot. Give them a good stir and let them cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld slightly and the vegetables to start softening.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will become tender and fully imbued with the broth’s flavors.
- Season and Serve: Towards the end of cooking, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the hot vegetable soup into bowls and enjoy it as a standalone meal or accompanied by crusty bread for dipping. This soup is not only a comforting meal but also a great starter for a larger dinner. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a favorite for both casual family meals and formal gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this hearty homemade vegetable soup. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. Here are some compelling reasons why this soup will become a staple in your kitchen:
Cooking Tips
- Enhance Flavors Naturally: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the other vegetables helps release their natural sugars and enhances the soup’s flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh herbs in the herb butter or add them at the end for a brighter flavor.
- Consistency Adjustments: Depending on your preference for soup consistency, you can blend part of the soup to make it creamier without adding cream.
- Season Properly: Always season with salt and pepper at the end of cooking to adjust the flavor perfectly after the vegetables have released their juices.
Nutritional Benefits
This vegetable soup is packed with vitamins and minerals. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is good for vision, while celery and leeks provide essential vitamins that can help boost the immune system. Potatoes offer a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, making this soup both filling and beneficial for digestion.
Dietary Information
This recipe is vegetarian and can be easily adapted for vegan diets by substituting the herb butter with a plant-based butter. It is naturally gluten-free and can be made low-sodium by using low-sodium vegetable broth and limiting the added salt. It’s also a great option for those looking for a low-calorie meal that is still hearty and satisfying.
Conclusion
This hearty homemade vegetable soup is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a nutritious, comforting, and versatile dish that embodies the essence of home cooking. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a warming dish to share at a communal table, this soup fits all occasions. It’s easy to make, packed with the goodness of seasonal vegetables, and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy the rich flavors and the healthy benefits that this wonderful soup brings into your life. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.