Hearty Vegetable Soup with Homemade Croutons

This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a comforting and wholesome dish packed with colorful veggies, tender noodles, and the crunch of homemade croutons. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a healthy, nourishing meal.

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • Olive oil for frying
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 red pepper, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 200 ml (1 cup) vegetable broth
  • 1.5 liters (7 cups) vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 100 g (1/2 cup) noodles
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 2 bay leaves

For the Croutons:

  • 3 slices of bread, cut into cubes
  • Olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Dried garlic, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

  • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over low heat.
  • Add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, red pepper, green pepper, minced garlic, and sliced leek.
  • Fry the vegetables over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the Potatoes and Flour:

  • Stir the diced potatoes into the pot.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and mix well to coat the vegetables evenly.

3. Add the Broth:

  • Pour in 200 ml (1 cup) of vegetable broth and stir to avoid lumps.
  • Gradually add the remaining 1.5 liters (7 cups) of broth while stirring continuously.

4. Cook the Soup:

  • Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Add the noodles, dried parsley, and bay leaves.
  • Cover and cook for another 15 minutes or until the noodles are tender.

5. Prepare the Croutons:

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, red pepper flakes, and dried garlic.
  • Toss to coat the bread cubes evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.

6. Finish the Soup:

  • Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
  • Stir in fresh parsley for a burst of flavor.

7. Serve:

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crunchy homemade croutons. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a fresh green salad or a slice of crusty bread.
  • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles and bread for the croutons.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
  • Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional depth.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Vegetables: Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
  • Potatoes: Provide potassium and complex carbohydrates.
  • Leeks and garlic: Offer immune-boosting properties.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian-friendly.
  • Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets by using appropriate substitutions.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Fiber: 5 g

Storage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
  • The homemade croutons add a delightful crunch.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
  • Perfect for meal prep and freezes well for future meals.

Conclusion
This Hearty Vegetable Soup with Homemade Croutons is a delicious, warming dish that’s easy to make and packed with goodness. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light dinner or sharing it with loved ones, it’s a meal that satisfies every time. Try it today and discover your new favorite soup!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I add meat to this soup?
    Yes, cooked chicken or sausage can be added for a protein boost.
  2. What other vegetables can I use?
    Zucchini, spinach, or corn are great additions.
  3. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
    Absolutely! Add fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
  4. How do I make this vegan?
    Ensure the broth is vegetable-based and skip the Parmesan topping.
  5. What noodles work best?
    Small pasta shapes like orzo, elbow macaroni, or vermicelli work well.
  6. Can I make this soup in advance?
    Yes, it tastes even better the next day! Add noodles when reheating to avoid overcooking.
  7. How do I thicken the soup?
    Add a slurry of cornstarch and water or blend some of the cooked potatoes.
  8. What can I use instead of croutons?
    Try topping with crispy tortilla strips or crackers.
  9. Can I use frozen vegetables?
    Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient substitute for fresh ones.
  10. Can I make this soup spicy?
    Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce for heat.