Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a delightful recipe for Hearty Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Croutons. This aromatic and flavorful soup is packed with nutritious vegetables and is perfect for a cozy family lunch. Paired with homemade Parmesan croutons, it’s a complete meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Preparation Time
- Total Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 onion
- Olive oil
- 3 sticks of celery
- 1 carrot
- 1 sweet red pepper
- 1 sweet orange pepper
- 1 courgette
- 2 potatoes
- 1 chili pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Thyme
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Parsley
For the Parmesan Croutons:
- 3 slices of bread
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Dried garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Thyme
Instructions
Prepare the Soup:
- Sauté the Onion:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and fry until translucent.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Chop the celery, carrot, red pepper, orange pepper, courgette, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chopped vegetables to the pot and stir well.
- Finely chop the chili pepper and garlic, then add to the pot.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme.
- Mix everything thoroughly.
- Simmer the Vegetables:
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the vegetables simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Broth:
- Pour in 1 liter of vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 15 minutes.
- Finish the Soup:
- Add 1 cup of frozen peas and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Finely chop the parsley and add it to the soup.
- Stir well and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- The soup is ready and incredibly aromatic!
Prepare the Parmesan Croutons:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the Bread:
- Cut the bread into cubes.
- Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, dried garlic, Parmesan cheese, and thyme.
- Bake the Croutons:
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the hot vegetable soup in bowls, topped with a handful of freshly baked Parmesan croutons.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Cooking Tips
- For extra depth of flavor, roast the vegetables in the oven before adding them to the soup pot.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili pepper according to your preference.
- Store leftover croutons in an airtight container to keep them crispy.
Nutritional Benefits
- Vegetables: Provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Olive Oil: A source of healthy fats.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds protein and calcium.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This soup is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread for the croutons.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Aromatic and Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs makes this soup incredibly delicious.
- Nutritious: Packed with a variety of vegetables, this soup is a healthy choice for any meal.
- Comforting: Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, especially on chilly days.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible for any cook.
Conclusion
This Hearty Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Croutons is a perfect dish for a nutritious and delicious family lunch. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Be sure to try it out and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness!
I’m sure you’ll like it! A delicious lunch for the whole family is ready! Be sure to try it out!