Today, we’re making a delicious and hearty Vegetable Soup. Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a touch of pasta, this soup is perfect for a comforting meal. It’s nutritious, easy to prepare, and full of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or just looking for a healthy, satisfying dish, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Let’s get started!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 celery stick, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 leek, finely chopped
- 2 sweet peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oregano, to taste
- 3 potatoes, cut into cubes
- 1.5 liters vegetable broth
- 50 grams (approx. 1/3 cup) pasta
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Directions:
- Preparing the Vegetables:
- Sauté the Onion: Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Add Other Vegetables: Add the diced celery, grated carrot, finely chopped leek, diced sweet peppers, and chopped garlic to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well and simmer under the lid for 5-8 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Cooking the Soup:
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Pour in 1.5 liters of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Pasta and Cook: Add 50 grams of pasta to the pot. Stir well and let it cook for another 5 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
- Finishing the Soup:
- Add Fresh Parsley: Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serving:
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- You can add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more variety.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Nutritional Benefits:
- This vegetable soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables.
- The addition of pasta provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by ensuring the pasta is egg-free.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- This vegetable soup is a comforting and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare.
- It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs.
- Perfect for meal prep, it makes a great lunch or dinner option for busy days.
- The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs creates a flavorful and nourishing dish.
Conclusion:
Thank you for joining me in making this hearty Vegetable Soup. It’s a delightful and nourishing dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this soup with your family and friends for a warm and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Can I freeze the soup?
- Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
- What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
- You can add zucchini, spinach, green beans, or even corn for added variety. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
- Can I make this soup gluten-free?
- Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether if you prefer.
- How can I make this soup more filling?
- To make the soup more filling, you can add cooked beans, lentils, or chickpeas. You could also serve it with a side of whole-grain bread or a hearty salad.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones on hand. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh.
- What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
- If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use water seasoned with bouillon cubes or powder. Chicken or beef broth can also be used if you’re not concerned about keeping the recipe vegetarian.
- How can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?
- Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs as needed. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients except for the pasta and parsley, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking, and stir in the parsley just before serving.
- Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
- Yes, this soup is vegan as long as you use vegan pasta. If you want to add protein, consider adding tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein.