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!
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.