Looking for a comforting and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare? This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a fantastic option that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. Featuring a mix of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, this soup is perfect for any time of year. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as a starter for a larger meal. Follow this simple recipe and method to create a delicious, wholesome soup that will warm you from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Nutritious: Loaded with a variety of vegetables and fresh herbs, this soup is packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the vegetables and seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 Onion: Chopped
- Olive Oil: For sautéing
- 1 Carrot: Chopped
- Salt: To taste
- 1/2 Yellow Pepper: Chopped
- 1/2 Green Pepper: Chopped
- 1 Red Pepper: Chopped
- 3-4 Potatoes: Chopped
- 1.2L Water: (6 cups)
- Fresh Mint and Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda: For washing vegetables
Method: How to Make Hearty Vegetable Soup
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and Clean: In a large bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in water. Submerge the vegetables (potatoes, carrots, and peppers) in the solution to wash them thoroughly. Rinse well under cold water.
- Chop: Peel (if necessary) and chop the onion, carrot, peppers, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Add Vegetables:
- Combine: Add the chopped carrot, yellow pepper, green pepper, and red pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season: Add salt to taste and continue to cook until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Potatoes and Water:
- Incorporate: Add the chopped potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the other vegetables.
- Add Water: Pour in 1.2 liters (6 cups) of water. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Cook: Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs:
- Add Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh mint and parsley just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Serve:
- Dish Out: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with crusty bread or on its own.
Tips for Success
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as celery, zucchini, or green beans for added variety.
- Texture: For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a spoon or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
- Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to change up the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly comforting and delicious. The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a touch of olive oil makes for a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your appetite.
Have you tried making vegetable soup before or do you have any variations to share? Leave your comments or questions below. Here’s to enjoying a bowl of hearty, homemade goodness that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
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