This Hearty Vegetable Soup with Noodles is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with colorful vegetables, tender potatoes, and flavorful broth. It’s a perfect meal for chilly days, offering warmth and nourishment in every bowl. The addition of noodles gives the soup a satisfying texture, while the variety of vegetables makes it a well-rounded dish full of vitamins and fiber. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or a filling lunch, this soup is a wholesome and delicious choice.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Cuisine This vegetable soup is inspired by traditional comfort food, commonly found in Mediterranean and European cuisines. It’s versatile, simple, and made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Full List of Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- 1 onion, chopped
- Olive oil, for frying
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 200 ml (1 cup) vegetable broth
- 1.5 liters (7 cups) vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 100g (1/2 cup) noodles
- Dried parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop the onion, celery, carrot, red pepper, and green pepper into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and slice the leek into thin rings. Peel and dice the potatoes.
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Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped celery, carrot, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Continue sautéing for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
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Add the Leek and Potatoes:
- Stir in the sliced leek and diced potatoes. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the potatoes to lightly brown and absorb some of the flavors from the other vegetables.
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Thicken the Soup:
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. This will help thicken the soup as it cooks.
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Add the Broth:
- Pour in the 200 ml (1 cup) of vegetable broth and 1.5 liters (7 cups) of vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Add the Noodles:
- Once the vegetables are tender, add the noodles to the soup. Continue simmering for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Once the soup is ready, stir in some dried parsley for added flavor and garnish. Serve the soup hot, either on its own or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugars: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe Vegetable soups have long been a part of many global cuisines, often made with seasonal vegetables and broth to create a satisfying, healthy meal. This hearty vegetable soup with noodles is a comforting and nutritious version, commonly found in Mediterranean and Eastern European kitchens. It’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables and create a delicious, filling dish.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with a variety of vegetables, this soup is a great way to get essential vitamins and fiber.
- Comforting: The combination of tender vegetables, savory broth, and noodles makes this soup a perfect comfort food.
- Customizable: You can easily add more vegetables or switch up the noodles to suit your tastes. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to fit what you have on hand.
Health Benefits
- High in Fiber: The potatoes, carrots, and celery in this soup provide a good amount of fiber, which supports digestion and heart health.
- Rich in Vitamins: Vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes provide essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin A.
- Low in Fat: This soup is low in fat and is an excellent option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with some warm, crusty bread for dipping. It’s a perfect combination for a cozy meal.
- With a Side Salad: Pair this soup with a light green salad for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
- Topped with Cheese: If you like cheese, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or cheddar to the top of each bowl for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of vegetable broth or add more flour to the vegetable base to thicken it. For a thinner soup, add more broth as needed.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add some chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup while cooking for a spicy kick.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have homemade vegetable broth, it will enhance the flavor of the soup and make it even more delicious.
Variations to Try
- Add More Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard at the end of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
- Add Protein: For added protein, include some cooked chicken, beans, or lentils.
- Switch Up the Noodles: Use whole wheat noodles, rice, or gluten-free noodles to cater to different dietary preferences.
Conclusion This Hearty Vegetable Soup with Noodles is a versatile, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables, creamy broth, and noodles, it’s a dish that will keep you full and warm. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or taking it to a potluck, this soup is sure to be a hit!
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh? Yes, frozen vegetables will work fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth? Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth for a non-vegetarian version of this soup.
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Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook this soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
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Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat when ready to serve.
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Can I add meat to this soup? Yes, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef to the soup for added protein and flavor.
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Can I use a different type of noodle? Absolutely! You can use any type of noodle you prefer, such as whole wheat, rice noodles, or gluten-free pasta.
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Is this soup vegan? Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and skip any dairy-based garnishes, this soup can easily be made vegan.
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How can I make the soup creamier? To make the soup creamier, you can add a splash of cream, coconut milk, or a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end of cooking.
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Can I use different vegetables? Yes, this soup is very versatile. You can add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini, peas, green beans, or spinach for variety