Delicious vegetable soup

Delicious vegetable soup – a comforting recipe that combines the authentic flavors of fresh vegetables with the unique aroma of herbs. It is a dish that not only offers a savory taste but also provides high nutritional value, being rich in vitamins and minerals. This recipe is perfect for cool days or moments when you need an energy boost.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- ½ celery, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh lovage, chopped
- 2-3 crushed tomatoes or 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 500-700 ml fresh homemade borscht
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Cutting them uniformly helps with even cooking. The carrots, celery, potatoes, and peppers should be cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking. The onion will be finely chopped, and the zucchini can be cut into larger cubes as they cook faster.

2. Heating the oil:
In a 4-5 liter pot, add the 4 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Olive oil offers a slightly fruity taste, but you can also use sunflower oil if you prefer a more neutral flavor.

3. Sautéing the vegetables:
Add the chopped onion to the hot oil and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. All these will be sautéed together with a cup of water. Cover the pot and let the vegetables sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Adding the remaining ingredients:
After the vegetables begin to soften, add the zucchini, bell peppers, and fresh borscht. The borscht adds a tangy flavor to the soup, but if you prefer a sweeter soup, you can add less. Let everything boil for 20-25 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.

5. Finalizing the soup:
Finally, add the crushed tomatoes or tomato paste, green onions, parsley, and lovage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to combine. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more water or borscht.

6. Serving:
The vegetable soup is served hot, with a slice of fresh bread or crispy croutons. You can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a special touch.

Practical tips:
- You can vary the ingredients according to the season. Replace zucchini with green beans or add cauliflower for a different texture.
- If you want to intensify the soup's flavor, you can add a few bay leaves or a clove of garlic sautéed with the onion.
- For a spicy note, add a little chili pepper or paprika during cooking.

Nutritional benefits:
Vegetable soup is low in calories, with about 150 cal/serving, and is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is an excellent choice for a healthy diet, providing a good source of fiber and helping to hydrate the body.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables are a good option, but make sure to thaw and salt them before adding them to the soup.
- How long can I keep the soup in the fridge? The soup can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- How can I enhance the soup's flavor? You can add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a more vibrant taste.

This vegetable soup is not just a delicious recipe but also an excellent way to enrich your daily diet. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away on a journey of flavors, enjoying the freshness of the ingredients!