Description
This Creamy Vegetable Soup with Homemade Croutons is a comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make soup that’s packed with the goodness of fresh vegetables. The base is made from a blend of onions, leeks, celery, zucchini, carrots, and frozen Brussels sprouts, all simmered together and flavored with a hint of ginger. A processed cheese slice adds creaminess, making it rich without being too heavy. Topped with crispy, golden-brown homemade croutons seasoned with garlic and red pepper, this soup is a perfect way to enjoy a wholesome and warming meal. It’s ideal for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an appetizer course.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Soup:
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Leek: 1, sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Carrot: 1, chopped
- Zucchini: 2, chopped
- Water: Enough to cover the vegetables
- Frozen Brussels sprouts: 1 cup
- Ginger: 1 small piece, grated (about 1 tsp)
- Processed cheese: 1 slice (about 25g), cut into pieces
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
For the Homemade Croutons:
- Bread: 3 slices, cut into cubes
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
- Red pepper flakes: a pinch
- Dried garlic powder: to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Soup Base:
- Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, add a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced leek, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. - Add Remaining Vegetables:
Add the chopped celery, carrot, and zucchini to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with oil, allowing them to sauté for another 2-3 minutes. - Add Water and Brussels Sprouts:
Pour enough water into the pot to cover the vegetables. Add the frozen Brussels sprouts and bring the mixture to a boil. - Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
2. Blend and Season the Soup:
- Add Ginger and Processed Cheese:
Add the grated ginger and pieces of processed cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese melts, adding a creamy texture to the soup. - Season with Salt and Pepper:
Add salt and black pepper to taste. - Blend the Soup:
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
3. Make the Croutons:
- Season the Bread Cubes:
In a bowl, combine bread cubes, olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Toss until the bread is well coated with the seasonings. - Toast the Croutons:
In a skillet over medium heat, toast the bread cubes until golden brown on all sides, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
4. Serve the Soup:
- Garnish and Serve:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped dill for freshness. Add a handful of croutons on top for a satisfying crunch. - Enjoy:
Serve warm, with extra croutons on the side if desired.
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 30mins