This Slimming Soup recipe is a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy a light meal while boosting your vegetable intake. Packed with healthy ingredients like broccoli, zucchini, celery, and carrots, this soup is ideal for weight loss and detoxification. The addition of fat-free cream makes the soup creamy without adding excess calories, while the homemade garlic croutons offer a delightful crunch to complement the silky texture of the soup. This is an easy, satisfying, and wholesome recipe that can be enjoyed as a starter or a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Chop the vegetables: Begin by chopping the onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, and broccoli. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and celery: Add the minced garlic and chopped celery to the pot, cooking for another 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Soup

1. Add carrots, zucchini, and broccoli: Stir in the sliced carrots, zucchini, and chopped broccoli.
2. Pour in the vegetable broth: Add 1 liter of vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to ensure all vegetables are submerged.
3. Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to high, bringing the soup to a boil.
4. Simmer: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
5. Blend the soup: Using an immersion blender or a countertop blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup and leave some vegetables intact.
6. Add the fat-free cream: Stir in 200 ml of fat-free cream for a creamy texture.
7. Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Croutons

1. Preheat the oven: While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Season the bread cubes: In a mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with 30 ml of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, and dried garlic.
3. Bake the croutons: Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden and crispy, tossing them halfway through the baking time.
4. Garnish with parsley: Once done, remove the croutons from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 4: Serve

1. Dish up the soup: Ladle the creamy slimming soup into bowls.
2. Top with croutons: Add a handful of homemade croutons to each bowl.
3. Garnish: Garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips

• Blending tip: For a super smooth texture, blend the soup in batches using a high-speed blender. If you prefer a more rustic soup, simply mash the vegetables lightly with a potato masher instead of blending.
• Cream alternative: If you don’t have fat-free cream, you can use low-fat yogurt or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Coconut milk also adds a lovely creaminess, though it may increase the calorie count slightly.
• Customize the veggies: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you have on hand. Cauliflower, spinach, or green beans work well in this soup.
• Seasoning the croutons: Customize the croutons with your favorite spices and herbs. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan on the croutons before baking.

Storage

• Soup: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Croutons: Croutons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they become soft, pop them back into the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx. 4 Servings)

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg

This slimming soup is low in calories but packed with nutrients. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the cream adds a smooth texture without adding too many extra calories. The croutons, though optional, provide a crunchy contrast that makes the meal even more enjoyable.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this slimming soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.

2. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

3. Can I use a different type of broth?

Absolutely! While vegetable broth is a great option for a vegetarian or vegan version, you can use chicken broth for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that using chicken broth may slightly alter the nutritional content.

4. Can I make the croutons gluten-free?

Yes! You can make gluten-free croutons by using gluten-free bread. Simply follow the same seasoning and baking process as with regular bread.

5. How can I make this soup more filling?

If you’re looking for a heartier meal, you can add a protein source such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or lentils to the soup. Quinoa or rice are also great additions for more substance.

Conclusion

This slimming soup is the perfect meal for those looking to enjoy a satisfying yet low-calorie dish. Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and enhanced with a creamy texture, it’s both nourishing and delicious. The homemade croutons add a delightful crunch and burst of flavor, making this soup a complete meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare, store, and enjoy. Try it out, and let it become a staple in your healthy eating routine!