This delightful vegetable soup is a perfect blend of hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and nourishing goodness. Made with a medley of fresh vegetables, including fennel, carrots, potatoes, and zucchini, it’s a comforting dish that will warm you from the inside out. The addition of fresh ginger provides a subtle kick, while a dollop of garlic sauce adds creaminess and tang. Paired with crispy toasted bread, this soup is ideal for a cozy meal on any day.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 200 grams fennel, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, chopped
- Fresh ginger, to taste
- Water (enough to cover the vegetables)
- 1 onion, chopped
- Olive oil (for frying)
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
- 200 grams frozen green peas
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 200 grams Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper, to taste
For the Bread:
- 3 slices of bread
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by washing and chopping the fennel, carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and zucchini. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger according to your taste preference.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped fennel, carrots, and celery to the pot. Continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Cook the Soup:
- Add the potatoes, zucchini, and ginger to the pot. Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables by about an inch. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the frozen green peas and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and fresh dill.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt or sour cream with the minced garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper for a bit of heat. Mix well and set aside.
- Toast the Bread:
- Drizzle the slices of bread with olive oil. Toast in a pan or under the broiler until golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a generous dollop of the garlic sauce on top, and serve with the toasted bread on the side.
Tips
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less water or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Flavor Enhancements: Roasting the vegetables before adding them to the pot can deepen the flavors and add a slightly caramelized note to the soup.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to substitute dill with other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme, depending on your preference.
Possible Questions
- Can I use vegetable broth instead of water? Yes, using vegetable broth instead of water will add more depth to the flavor of the soup.
- Is it necessary to use fresh dill? While fresh dill adds a bright, herbal note, you can substitute with dried dill or omit it if unavailable.
- Can I freeze the soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 45% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 40% of DV
- Iron: 8% of DV
- Calcium: 10% of DV
Conclusion
This vegetable soup is a versatile and nourishing dish that brings together a variety of textures and flavors. The freshness of the dill, the warmth of the ginger, and the creaminess of the garlic sauce make each bite delightful. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a warming dinner, this soup offers comfort and satisfaction. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s both wholesome and flavorful. Don’t forget to store any leftovers for an easy reheat meal later in the week!