Warm up with this hearty vegetable soup, brimming with fresh vegetables and rich flavors. This recipe is not only nutritious but also comforting, making it perfect for any day of the week. Top it off with homemade croutons for an added crunch that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Ingredients
Vegetable Soup:
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- Olive oil
- 3 sticks of celery, chopped
- 2 small carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1.2 liters (6 cups) water
- 1 liter (5 cups) vegetable broth
- 1 broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 zucchini, diced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 300 ml (1 cup) cream
For the Croutons:
- 3 slices of bread, cut into cubes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Dried garlic
- Italian herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the chopped celery and carrots to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the Potatoes:
- Add the diced potatoes and sweet potatoes to the pot.
- Pour in the water and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add Remaining Vegetables:
- Add the broccoli florets and diced zucchini to the pot.
- Add salt and black pepper to suit your taste.
- Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the Soup:
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Another option is to use a standard blender to puree the soup in batches.
- Stir in the cream and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Maintain the soup’s warmth by keeping it on low heat.
- Prepare the Croutons:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, dried garlic, and Italian herbs.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden and crispy.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the homemade croutons.
- Serve hot and enjoy your comforting vegetable soup!
Conclusion
This hearty vegetable soup is a delicious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in one comforting dish. The addition of homemade croutons adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture of the soup. Simple to make and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy a warm and nutritious bowl of goodness!