Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Blue Zone – Sardinia Herb Soup
- Heat the Base: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Watch for the oil to shimmer, indicating it's hot enough. This will take about 2 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot, stirring frequently for 5–7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Include 2 diced carrots and 1 chopped celery stalk, cooking for another 3 minutes until softened.
- Incorporate Additional Vegetables: Next, introduce 1 diced zucchini and 1 bell pepper into the pot. Stir for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Chickpeas: Gently fold in 1 can of drained chickpeas, stirring for 2 minutes to warm them through.
- Pour in Broth and Tomatoes: Carefully pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and one can of diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for around 2 minutes.
- Simmer for Flavor Meld: Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Fresh Herbs: With 5 minutes left of cooking, introduce ½ cup each of chopped fresh parsley, basil, and mint. Stir well to evenly distribute the herbs.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Just before serving, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Give the soup a final gentle stir and remove it from heat.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Using fresh herbs enhances flavor significantly. Cut vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Allow the soup to simmer for at least 20 minutes for flavor depth.