This Creamy Vegetable Soup with Aromatic Croutons is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. The soup is made with a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, all simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth, creating a hearty, nutritious base. The addition of cream gives the soup a rich, velvety texture, making it a delightful and satisfying meal. Topped with aromatic croutons, this dish has the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, making it a wholesome, warming bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 350 grams frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper, to taste
- Oregano, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, a few sprigs
- Vegetable broth, enough to cover the vegetables
- 120 ml (½ cup) cream
For the Aromatic Croutons:
- 2 slices of bread, cubed
- Olive oil, as needed
- Salt, to taste
- Dried garlic, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
- Red pepper, to taste
- Oregano, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Soup
Start by heating a small amount of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become translucent and fragrant.
Next, add the diced carrots, chopped celery, and peeled and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir them together for a few minutes to let the flavors combine. Then, pour in enough vegetable broth to completely cover the vegetables in the pot. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer. Add the frozen peas, nutmeg, and a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper, and oregano to taste. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fully cooked.
Step 2: Blend and Add Cream
After the vegetables are tender, you can choose to blend the soup slightly to make it thicker and creamier. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend a portion of the soup, or transfer some of the soup to a blender and blend it in batches. This will create a lovely, smooth consistency, though if you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.
Once the soup has reached your desired texture, remove it from the heat and stir in 120 ml (½ cup) of cream. Mix well to combine, creating a rich and velvety texture. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary with more salt, pepper, or herbs.
Step 3: Make the Aromatic Croutons
While the soup is simmering, you can prepare the aromatic croutons. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the bread slices into cubes, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, dried garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper, and oregano. Make sure the bread is evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the croutons turn golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 4: Serve the Soup
Ladle the creamy vegetable soup into individual bowls. Top each bowl with a generous amount of the aromatic croutons. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Vegetable Soup
Soup Thickness
If you prefer a thicker soup, consider blending part of the soup with an immersion blender or transferring some to a regular blender before adding the cream. This will give the soup a smoother texture and make it creamier. If you enjoy a chunkier version, leave some of the vegetables whole.
Crouton Variations
The aromatic croutons can be easily customized to your liking. Try using different types of cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or asiago, for a unique flavor. You can also add more fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to the croutons to suit your taste.
Vegetable Flexibility
One of the best things about this soup is its flexibility. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for what you have on hand. Add zucchini, spinach, green beans, or any other seasonal vegetables you enjoy. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste.
Nutritional Benefits
This creamy vegetable soup is packed with essential vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used. The carrots, celery, and peas are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, which contribute to digestive health and a strong immune system. The cream adds a richness to the soup, providing a satisfying and indulgent flavor.
The aromatic croutons add a satisfying crunch, and the Parmesan cheese provides a boost of protein and calcium. This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome meal.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian (contains dairy and cream)
- Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free bread for croutons)
- Low in Sugar
- Rich in Fiber
Serving Suggestions
To make this soup even more filling, pair it with a light green salad or a simple sandwich for a complete meal. The soup can also be served as a starter for a larger meal or enjoyed on its own as a satisfying lunch or dinner.
The aromatic croutons also make a great snack on their own or can be used as a crunchy topping for salads or pasta dishes. They add a burst of flavor and texture to any meal.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to allow the soup to cool completely before storing it.
Freeze
You can freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the soup in freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it over medium heat. Add more broth or water if necessary to thin it out.
Reheat
To reheat the soup, place it in a pot on the stove over medium heat and stir occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much after refrigerating or freezing, simply add a bit of water or broth to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Crouton Storage
Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to restore their crispiness, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes at 375°F (190°C).
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can use chicken broth for a different flavor, though it will change the soup’s overall taste. Vegetable broth keeps the soup vegetarian, but chicken broth will add a richer, meaty flavor.
2. How can I make the soup dairy-free?
To make the soup dairy-free, replace the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the croutons, use a dairy-free Parmesan or omit the cheese altogether.
3. Can I add more protein to the soup?
Yes, you can add beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) or lentils to boost the protein content. Alternatively, adding shredded chicken or tofu would be a great option for extra protein.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld. Just make sure to store it properly and reheat gently.
5. Can I make the soup spicier?
Absolutely! If you enjoy a little heat, feel free to add chili flakes, hot sauce, or even a jalapeño pepper to the soup while it simmers.
Conclusion
This Creamy Vegetable Soup with Aromatic Croutons is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy base and flavorful vegetables, it’s a dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. The homemade croutons add a crispy texture that complements the soup’s creaminess, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you enjoy it as a main meal or a starter, this recipe is sure to warm your soul and become a favorite in your recipe collection.