My grandmother gave me a wonderful soup recipe! I make this vegetable soup every day and I lose weight!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 sweet red pepper, chopped
1 sweet orange pepper, chopped
1 courgette (zucchini), chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 chili pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 liter vegetable broth
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup fresh parsley, choppe
Variations for Vegetable Soup
Hearty Vegetable Soup
Add potatoes, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash for a thicker, heartier texture.
Creamy Vegetable Soup
Blend half the soup to create a creamy base, or stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for richness.
Vegetable and Bean Soup
Add beans like cannellini, kidney, or chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
Spicy Vegetable Soup
Stir in chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
Vegetable Noodle Soup
Add cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa for a more filling soup. You can use spiralized vegetables as a low-carb option.
Herb-Infused Soup
Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Add them at the end of cooking for a fresh finish.
Tomato-Based Vegetable Soup
Use a tomato broth or crushed tomatoes as the base for a rich, tangy flavor. You can also add a touch of balsamic vinegar for sweetness.
Root Vegetable Soup
Focus on root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips for a sweet, earthy flavor.
Vegetable Soup with Lentils
Add red, green, or brown lentils for extra protein and fiber. They’ll also help thicken the soup.
Tips for Making the Best Vegetable Soup
Use Seasonal Vegetables
Fresh, in-season vegetables will provide the best flavor. Don’t be afraid to switch up ingredients depending on what’s available.
Sauté for Depth of Flavor
auté onions, garlic, and harder vegetables like carrots and celery before adding the broth to build layers of flavor.
Use a Good Quality Broth
A flavorful vegetable or chicken broth is key to a delicious soup. If using store-bought, choose low-sodium to control the salt level.
Cook Vegetables in Stages
Add vegetables in stages, starting with the firmest (like carrots and potatoes) and finishing with softer ones (like spinach or peas) to prevent overcooking.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables
Keep an eye on cooking times to avoid mushy vegetables. They should be tender but still have some bite.
Add Acid for Balance
splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end can brighten up the flavors and balance the sweetness of the vegetables.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Season the soup with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, not just at the end. Adjust to taste as the soup simmers.
Make It Ahead
Vegetable soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it a great make-ahead meal.
These variations and tips will help you create a flavorful and versatile vegetable soup tailored to your preferences!