This vegetable soup is a perfect balance of hearty, flavorful vegetables, delicious seasonings, and optional protein and garnishes. It’s an ideal comfort food for chilly days, packed with nutrients, and easy to customize to suit different tastes. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish, this soup is sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
Vegetables:
- 2 onions – Adds a sweet, savory base to the soup.
- 1 carrot – For a slight sweetness and color.
- 3 potatoes – Provides heartiness and texture.
- 1 red pepper – For a bit of sweetness and color contrast.
- 2 tomatoes – Adds freshness and a slight tang to the soup.
- 2 garlic cloves – For depth of flavor and aroma.
- Chopped parsley – For garnish and freshness.
Seasoning:
- Salt – To taste, enhances the overall flavor.
- Black pepper – Adds a mild heat.
- Basil – Provides a warm, fragrant note.
Other:
- Sunflower oil – For sautéing the vegetables.
- Noodles – For added texture and heartiness.
Optional Additions:
- Leafy greens – Such as spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Cooked chicken or lentils – For added protein and substance.
For the Garnish (Optional):
- 3 cloves garlic – Minced for extra garlic flavor.
- Rosemary – A fragrant herb for a savory kick.
- Butter (100-130g) – For a rich, silky garnish.
- Hard cheese (50g, grated) – Adds richness and a savory finish.
- Baguette bread – For dipping and adding crunch to each bite.
Instructions
1. Sautéing the First Round:
Begin by heating sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes).
2. Adding the Heartier Vegetables:
Add chopped carrot and potatoes to the pot with the softened onion. Season with salt and black pepper, then cover the vegetables with water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Preparing the Second Round of Vegetables:
While the first pot simmers, heat another pan with sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the second chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Roasting the Veggies:
Add the chopped red pepper and tomatoes to the pan with the softened onion. To easily peel the tomatoes, make an X on the bottom of each tomato and place them in the pan. Fill the pan with a small amount of hot water and let the tomatoes rest for 1-2 minutes. The skins will loosen, making them easy to peel. Once peeled, chop the tomatoes and return them to the pan.
5. Flavor Boost:
Add minced garlic cloves to the pan with the vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and basil. Stir well to combine all the flavors, creating a fragrant, flavorful vegetable mixture.
6. Soup Symphony:
Once the first pot of vegetables is cooked through, add the roasted vegetables from the second pan to the pot. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich and aromatic soup base.
7. Noodle Time:
Bring the soup to a simmer and add your desired noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, or until the noodles are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
8. Fresh Touch:
Once the noodles are cooked through, stir in the chopped parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.
9. Optional Garlicky Garnish:
For an extra layer of flavor, prepare a garlicky garnish. In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and rosemary and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Drizzle this flavorful garlic butter over individual bowls of soup just before serving.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Top each bowl of soup with grated hard cheese and serve with crusty baguette bread for dipping. Enjoy the hearty, delicious soup with family or friends!
Helpful Tips:
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, like zucchini, peas, or leeks, for a unique flavor twist.
- Make it Heartier: For added protein, toss in some cooked chicken or lentils. Both options work wonderfully to make this soup a complete meal.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Play around with different herbs such as oregano or thyme to personalize the flavor profile of the soup.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Leafy Greens: Add spinach or kale to increase the nutritional value and flavor of the soup.
- Vegetarian: Keep the soup vegetarian by skipping the chicken and using lentils or other plant-based protein sources.
- Low-Carb: For a low-carb version, omit the noodles and add more vegetables or beans.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in Fiber: The combination of vegetables and noodles provides plenty of fiber for digestive health.
- Rich in Vitamins: With ingredients like tomatoes, carrots, and parsley, this soup is packed with essential vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and K.
- Antioxidant-Rich: The addition of garlic, rosemary, and basil provides antioxidants that support the immune system.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-Friendly: The soup is entirely plant-based (unless adding chicken), making it suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: Make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles or skipping the noodles entirely.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese garnish or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 6g
FAQs
Can I freeze this vegetable soup?
Yes! This soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stovetop.
Can I add other protein sources?
Absolutely! You can add cooked lentils, beans, or even tofu for a plant-based protein boost. Alternatively, you can add shredded chicken or beef for a non-vegetarian version.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating chili flakes or jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. Adjust to your preferred spice level!
Can I skip the noodles?
Yes! If you’re following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, you can omit the noodles entirely. The soup will still be flavorful and hearty, especially if you add more vegetables or a protein source.
Conclusion
This hearty and flavorful vegetable soup is a perfect addition to any meal plan, offering both comfort and nutrition. With its customizable ingredients, it can be tailored to suit different dietary preferences. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a filling dinner, this soup will satisfy everyone’s taste buds, leaving them wanting more.