This healthy and delicious slimming soup is packed with nutritious vegetables and creamy goodness, perfect for a light meal or as part of a weight-loss journey. Paired with crispy homemade croutons, this soup is both filling and flavorful, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
For the Slimming Soup:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 400 grams celery, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 courgettes (zucchini), sliced
- 600 grams broccoli, chopped
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- 200 ml fat-free cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Croutons:
- 4 slices of bread, cut into cubes
- 30 ml olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Italian herbs, to taste
- Dried garlic, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Slimming Soup:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the chopped celery and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrots, courgettes, and chopped broccoli to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, add the fat-free cream to the soup. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Croutons:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, and dried garlic until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool.
Serving Suggestions
- Top the soup with homemade croutons for added crunch.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a small bowl of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Enjoy with a glass of your favorite fresh juice or sparkling water.
Tips for Success
- Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- For a dairy-free version, replace the fat-free cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- To make the soup more filling, add some cooked quinoa or lentils for extra protein and fiber.
Nutritional Benefits
- This soup is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and celery.
- The fat-free cream adds a touch of creaminess without extra calories, making it perfect for those watching their intake.
- Homemade croutons provide a crunchy texture, giving you the satisfaction of a traditional soup accompaniment, but without the extra salt and preservatives.
Storage
- Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Keep croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slimming soup is a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. It’s light yet filling, and the addition of creamy fat-free cream adds richness without compromising on calories. The crispy croutons give the soup a satisfying crunch, making it a fun and delicious meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep!
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Conclusion
This slimming soup with croutons is the ideal comfort food that won’t derail your health goals. Packed with vegetables and light yet hearty, it makes for a satisfying meal any day of the week. The homemade croutons take the soup to the next level, providing a perfect balance of textures. Whether you’re on a weight loss journey or simply want to enjoy a healthy meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cream?
Yes! You can use coconut cream, almond milk, or any dairy-free cream alternative. - Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. - How can I make the soup spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup to increase the heat. - Can I skip the croutons?
Yes, you can skip the croutons for a lighter version of the soup. You could also serve it with a slice of whole-grain bread. - Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Yes! Feel free to swap broccoli with cauliflower, spinach, or green beans, depending on your preference. - How can I make this soup more filling?
Add some cooked quinoa, lentils, or beans to the soup to make it more substantial. - Can I use store-bought croutons?
Yes, if you’re in a hurry, store-bought croutons work just as well! - How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream and skip the cheese garnish. - Can I freeze the croutons?
Yes, you can freeze the croutons for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely before freezing. - How do I serve this soup as a meal?
Pair it with a light salad or add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or beans to make it a complete meal.