This hearty vegetable soup paired with flavorful toast and a tangy tomato-garlic spread is a delightful combination that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with nutritious vegetables and seasoned to perfection, this soup is both comforting and healthy. The crispy toast with a fresh tomato-garlic spread adds a delicious crunch and extra flavor.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 5-4 potatoes, chopped (about 1 kg or 2.2 lbs)
- 1 onion, chopped (about 100 grams or 3.5 ounces)
- Olive oil, as needed
- 1 carrot, grated (about 70 grams or 2.5 ounces)
- 2-3 zucchinis, chopped (about 400 grams or 14 ounces)
- 2.5 cups (600 ml) water
- 3 pieces of toast
- 1-2 tomatoes, grated (about 200 grams or 7 ounces)
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- Salt, as needed
- Black pepper, as needed
- 10 grams parsley, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon red paprika (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Chop the potatoes and place them in a pot with enough water to cover.
- Cook the potatoes for 10-12 minutes until slightly tender.
- Prepare the Onion and Carrot:
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil and add the chopped onion.
- Fry the onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the grated carrot to the pan and mix well.
- Add Zucchini:
- Chop the zucchinis and add them to the onion and carrot mixture.
- Mix well and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Combine with Potatoes:
- Add the zucchini, onion, and carrot mixture to the pot with the potatoes.
- Add 2.5 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and mix well.
- Cover with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Prepare the Toast:
- Cut the toast pieces in half.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and fry the toast until golden and crispy.
- Make the Tomato-Garlic Spread:
- Grate the tomatoes and chop the garlic.
- Mix the tomatoes, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture on the fried toast.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Finish the Soup:
- Add the chopped parsley to the soup 5 minutes before it’s done cooking and mix well.
- Optionally, add 1 teaspoon of red paprika and mix well.
- Serve:
- Serve the hot soup with the prepared toast on the side.
- Enjoy your delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a fresh green salad.
- Add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top of the soup.
- Pair with a light vinaigrette-dressed side salad.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the potatoes are cooked to your desired tenderness before adding other vegetables.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
- High in fiber from the potatoes and zucchinis.
- Contains healthy fats from olive oil.
- Low in calories and perfect for a light meal.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free toast.
- Suitable for a low-fat diet.
- Adjust ingredients for specific dietary needs.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
- The toast is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s easy to make and full of wholesome ingredients.
- The combination of soup and toast makes for a comforting meal.
- The tomato-garlic spread adds a burst of fresh flavor.
- Perfect for any time of the year and can be adjusted with seasonal vegetables.
Conclusion: This vegetable soup with toast and tomato-garlic spread is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a light lunch, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The combination of hearty vegetables and crispy toast creates a delightful texture and flavor contrast that you’ll love. Enjoy this easy-to-make, flavorful dish with your loved ones. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other vegetables in this soup? Yes, feel free to add or substitute with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or spinach.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, the soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
- What type of cheese goes well with this soup? Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella cheese are great options to sprinkle on top of the soup.
- Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Is this soup vegan? The soup is vegan if you skip the mayonnaise in the tomato-garlic spread or use a vegan alternative.
- Can I use different herbs instead of parsley? Yes, fresh basil, cilantro, or thyme can be used as alternatives.
- How can I make this soup spicier? Add more black pepper, red paprika, or a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
- What type of bread is best for the toast? Whole grain, sourdough, or French bread works well for making the toast.
- Can I freeze the soup? Yes, the soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- How do I ensure the toast stays crispy? Serve the toast immediately after frying. If making ahead, reheat in an oven or toaster to regain crispiness.