Vegetable Soup with Garlic Herb Bread

This hearty vegetable soup, paired with crispy garlic herb bread, is a comforting and flavorful meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, it’s perfect for any time of year.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• ½ cabbage, shredded
• 2 sticks of celery, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Basil, to taste
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped

For the Garlic Herb Bread:

• 3 slices of bread
• Olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Italian herbs, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Soup

1. Prepare Vegetables:
   • Dice potatoes and carrot, chop onion, shred cabbage, and chop celery and red pepper.
2. Cook Vegetables:
   • Fill a large pot with water and add diced potatoes. Cover and bring to a boil.
   • Add carrot and cook over medium heat. After a few minutes, add onion and cabbage.
   • Cook for 7–10 minutes over medium heat. Add celery, salt, black pepper, and basil. Mix well.
   • Add red pepper and continue cooking until vegetables are tender.
3. Finish:
   • Stir in fresh parsley and mix well. Your soup is ready!

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Bread

1. Prepare Bread:
   • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet.
   • Drizzle olive oil over bread and sprinkle with salt.
   • Bake for 15 minutes or until crispy and golden.
2. Prepare Garlic Herb Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs with olive oil.
3. Finish Bread:
   • Remove bread from the oven and immediately brush with the garlic herb mixture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the vegetable soup hot with garlic herb bread on the side.
• Garnish soup with additional fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Cooking Tips

• Add your favorite seasonal vegetables for variety.
• Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
• Adjust herb quantities in the garlic herb bread to suit your taste.

Nutritional Benefits

• Soup: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh vegetables.
• Garlic Herb Bread: Provides a flavorful source of healthy fats and antioxidants from olive oil and garlic.

Dietary Information

• Vegan
• Gluten-free option available by using gluten-free bread.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 4 servings):

• Soup: Calories: 120, Protein: 4 g, Fat: 1 g, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Fiber: 5 g
• Bread: Calories: 100, Protein: 3 g, Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 10 g, Fiber: 1 g

Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
• Garlic herb bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in a sealed container for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
• Perfectly balanced flavors of savory soup and fragrant bread.
• A comforting meal suitable for all seasons.
• Vegan-friendly and customizable for various dietary needs.

Conclusion
This Vegetable Soup with Garlic Herb Bread is a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal. It’s loaded with fresh vegetables and paired with crispy, flavorful bread for a complete dining experience. Perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables in the soup?
   Yes, add zucchini, green beans, or peas for variety.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The flavors develop even more when reheated.
3. What bread works best for the garlic herb bread?
   Use crusty bread like a baguette or ciabatta for best results.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free bread for the garlic herb bread.
5. How can I make the soup richer?
   Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
6. Can I freeze the soup?
   Yes, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months.
7. What herbs can I substitute in the bread?
   Thyme or rosemary can replace Italian herbs.
8. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
   Yes, but reduce the quantity as dried parsley is more concentrated.
9. How do I prevent the bread from burning?
   Keep an eye on it while baking and remove when golden brown.
10. Can I add protein to the soup?
    Yes, add cooked beans, lentils, or shredded chicken for extra protein.

Enjoy this comforting and wholesome recipe for a delicious meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor!