Vegetable soup

Vegetable soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is a culinary journey into the world of natural flavors, an explosion of freshness and health in every spoonful. This soup, filled with tasty vegetables, will not only delight your taste buds but also provide you with a boost of essential nutrients. With each fresh ingredient, you will feel energy and vitality filling your body.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root (about 150g)
- 1 parsnip (about 150g)
- 1 slice of celery (about 100g)
- 1 kohlrabi (about 200g)
- 300g white or red cabbage
- 3-4 florets of broccoli (about 150g)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow)
- 1 peeled tomato (or 200g canned tomatoes)
- 1 small onion (about 100g)
- 2-3 tablespoons of broth
- Chopped parsley (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil

Necessary utensils
- A microwave (optional, to soften the onion)
- A large pot
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A wooden spoon for stirring
- An immersion blender (optional, to achieve a creamy soup)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables under cold running water. Peel the carrots, parsley root, parsnip, and celery, then cut them into small cubes. Slice the cabbage thinly, remove the seeds from the bell pepper and cut it into cubes, and peel and chop the tomato finely.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step is essential to release the flavors of the onion, which will give your soup a special taste.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the onion is ready, add all the vegetables except the tomato and broccoli. Mix the ingredients well and let them cook over low heat for 3-4 minutes so that the vegetables start to soften and release their flavors.

4. Boiling the soup: Add the tomato and broccoli florets to the pot, then pour in water (about 1.5-2 liters) until all the vegetables are covered. Add salt or vegetable seasoning to taste and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are well cooked.

5. Seasoning: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the broth and mix well. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings by adding salt, pepper, or vegetable seasoning as preferred. Now is the time to let your creativity shine; you can also add other spices or herbs to taste!

6. Finalizing: Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness. If you prefer a creamy soup, use an immersion blender and blend everything until you achieve a smooth texture.

Serving
Serve the vegetable soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh whole-grain bread or crunchy croutons. You can add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess. This soup pairs perfectly with a light green salad for a balanced and healthy meal.

Chef's tip
If you want to further enrich the flavor of your soup, you can add a teaspoon of dried thyme or fresh basil leaves during the boiling process. You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or cauliflower, depending on the season.

Nutritional benefits
This vegetable soup is an excellent choice for a healthy meal. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to maintaining a healthy digestion and a strong immune system. The calories are low, with each serving containing about 150-200 calories, making it an ideal option for those looking to maintain their weight.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I add meat to the soup? Absolutely! You can add diced chicken breast or beef, which will cook during the boiling of the vegetables.
- How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 3-4 days. You can freeze it and use it later, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
- Is this soup vegan? Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based, making this soup perfect for vegans and vegetarians.

Possible variations
To give the soup a different flavor, you can add some Asian spices, such as soy sauce or freshly grated ginger. You can also turn this soup into a heartier dish by adding pasta or rice during the boiling process.

Vegetable soup is perfect for any occasion and will surely become a family favorite. All that's left is to get cooking! Enjoy your meal!