This Rustic Vegetable Soup is a flavor-packed, hearty dish perfect for any season. Made with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich vegetable broth, this soup is comforting and full of nutrients. Homemade croutons add a crispy contrast, making every bite satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal meal for a cozy dinner or light lunch.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 20g (1 ½ tbsp) butter
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 leek, sliced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 chili pepper, finely chopped
- 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
For the Croutons:
- 3 slices of bread, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Optional Garnish:
- Grated cheese (Parmesan or cheddar)
- A drizzle of olive oil
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
- Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in celery, leek, carrot, red pepper, and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add potatoes, garlic, and chili pepper. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Broth
- Pour in 1 liter of vegetable broth.
- Stir well and let it cook for another 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Croutons
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place bread cubes on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, dried garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly, leaving some texture.
- Add fresh parsley and stir.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the soup hot, topped with crispy croutons.
- Optional: Sprinkle with grated cheese or a drizzle of olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a slice of warm, crusty bread.
- Add grated Parmesan for extra richness.
Cooking Tips
- Sautéing the vegetables first enhances the depth of flavor.
- For a spicier soup, add extra chili flakes.
- To make it creamy, blend fully and stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
- Store leftovers properly to enjoy throughout the week.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in fiber and vitamins from fresh vegetables.
- Low in calories yet filling and nourishing.
- Healthy fats from olive oil.
- Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties from herbs and spices.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: Yes (use plant-based butter or olive oil)
- Gluten-Free: Yes (omit croutons or use GF bread)
- Dairy-Free: Yes
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx. 4 Servings)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tip: Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with fresh flavors and warming spices.
- Simple and quick to make with pantry ingredients.
- Light yet satisfying, perfect for any season.
- Customizable – make it spicy, creamy, or chunky!
Conclusion
This Rustic Vegetable Soup is a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a hearty appetizer, this soup is easy to prepare, flavorful, and satisfying. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of warmth and goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth? Yes! It will add a richer, savory flavor.
- How do I make this soup creamier? Blend it completely and add coconut milk, cream, or yogurt.
- Can I skip the croutons? Yes! Try adding toasted nuts or seeds for crunch instead.
- What’s the best way to make this soup spicier? Add extra chili pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes! Let it cool completely before freezing.
- Can I add beans for more protein? Absolutely! Chickpeas or white beans work well.
- What other vegetables can I add? Try sweet potatoes, green beans, or cauliflower.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, but reduce the quantity by half.
- What bread is best for croutons? Use stale sourdough, baguette, or whole grain bread.