Hearty Vegetable Soup

This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal, packed with a variety of vegetables and seasoned to perfection. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day or enjoying as a light, healthy meal.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • For the Soup:
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • Olive oil, for sautéing
    • 2 celery stalks, chopped
    • 2 carrots, chopped
    • 1 sweet red pepper, chopped
    • 1 sweet orange pepper, chopped
    • 1 courgette (zucchini), chopped
    • 2 potatoes, chopped
    • 1 chili pepper, finely chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • Salt, to taste
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • 1 teaspoon thyme
    • 1 liter vegetable broth
    • 1 cup frozen peas
    • Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. Prepare the Soup:

  1. Fry the Onion:
    • In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion and fry until it becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add the Vegetables:
    • Add the chopped celery, carrot, sweet red pepper, sweet orange pepper, courgette, and potatoes. Stir the vegetables well to combine.
  3. Add the Seasonings:
    • Add the finely chopped chili pepper and garlic to the pot.
    • Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme.
    • Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the vegetables are well coated with the seasonings.
  4. Simmer the Vegetables:
    • Cover the pot with a lid and simmer the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and release their flavors.
  5. Add the Broth:
    • Pour in 1 liter of vegetable broth.
    • Let the soup cook for 15 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together.
  6. Add the Peas and Parsley:
    • Add 1 cup of frozen peas to the soup and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
    • Stir in the chopped parsley for added freshness and flavor.

2. Serve:

  1. Finish the Soup:
    • Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This step ensures that the flavors are balanced and to your liking.
  2. Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls. Enjoy this hearty vegetable soup as a comforting and nutritious meal.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips:

  • Ensure to chop the vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
  • You can add other favorite vegetables to the soup based on what you have on hand.
  • Adjust the level of chili pepper based on your spice preference.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Onion: Adds a savory base flavor and contains antioxidants.
  • Vegetables: Provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  • Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats.
  • Peas: Add a touch of sweetness and additional nutrients.

Dietary Information:

  • Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Dietary Considerations: This recipe is vegan and gluten-free.

Storage:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • It’s a hearty and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare.
  • Packed with a variety of vegetables, it’s both healthy and delicious.
  • Perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Conclusion:

This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a fantastic choice for a nutritious and comforting meal. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and full of healthy ingredients. Enjoy a warm bowl of this delicious soup and feel nourished and satisfied. Bon appétit!