Delicious Vegetable Soup Recipe: Simple, Healthy, and Comforting

Vegetable soup is a classic of home cooking, cherished for its simplicity, nutritional benefits, and ability to warm the soul on cold days. Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or use up forgotten vegetables in the fridge, this vegetable soup recipe is the perfect option. Easy to customize with your choice of vegetables, it’s also great for a light meal or as a side dish. Discover our simple and tasty vegetable soup recipe that the whole family will love!

Ingredients and Preparation for Vegetable Soup
What makes vegetable soup so beloved is its flexibility. You can adapt the ingredients to your tastes, the season, or what you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 leek, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 stalk of celery, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes (400g)
• 1 liter of vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation Steps:

1. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, leek, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until slightly golden.
2. Add the root vegetables: Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and zucchini. Mix well to coat the vegetables in the oil and aromas.
3. Add the broth and seasonings: Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, then add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Adjust the seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve with a slice of toasted bread for a complete and balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Vegetable Soup

• Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
  Yes, you can definitely use frozen vegetables for this recipe. They are already prepared and chopped, which can save you time. However, be sure to adjust the cooking time, as frozen vegetables generally cook faster.
• Can I make this soup in advance?
  Vegetable soup is perfect for meal prep. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze it for later use. To reheat, simply warm it over low heat until hot.
• How can I make the soup thicker?
  To thicken the soup, you can blend some of the vegetables directly in the pot with an immersion blender or scoop out a few ladles of soup, blend them, and then return them to the pot. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken the soup.
• What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
  Vegetable soup is very versatile. You can add spinach, kale, peas, or even green beans. Mushrooms and bell peppers also add great depth of flavor.
• Can I add protein to this recipe?
  Of course! You can add lentils, chickpeas, or white beans to increase the protein content. For a non-vegetarian version, you can also add pieces of chicken or ham.

Tips for a Perfect Vegetable Soup

• Vary the herbs and spices: Thyme and bay leaf are classics, but you can also add rosemary, cumin, or curry to vary the flavors.
• Use homemade broth: If you have time, homemade vegetable broth will significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. It’s easy to make by simmering vegetables and herbs for a few hours.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil before serving: This adds a final touch of richness and flavor to your soup.
• Make it a complete meal: Serve the soup with a slice of whole grain bread, cheese, or a salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Conclusion
Vegetable soup is a comforting, healthy dish that is incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you enjoy it as a light starter or a main dish, this recipe can be adapted according to the seasons and personal tastes. With its simple and quick cooking method, it allows you to consume a variety of vegetables while keeping warm. Try this recipe at home and indulge in a bowl of delicious, homemade soup. Don’t forget to add your personal touch with your favorite vegetables or spices!