Vegetable soup

Vegetable soup is an excellent choice for a healthy and comforting meal. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this soup offers a delicious and nutritious culinary experience, perfect for revitalizing the body. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

The History of Vegetable Soups
Vegetable soup is a dish that dates back to ancient times, ingeniously using leftover vegetables to create a hearty meal. In various cultures, soup has been seen not only as food but also as a remedy for various ailments, serving to warm the body and detoxify it. This simple and versatile dish is ideal not only for a healthy diet but also to bring a touch of nostalgia to every bowl.

Ingredients
- 250 g sliced champignon mushrooms
- 1 cup tomato broth
- 3 small white zucchini, cut into pieces
- 1 pack of mixed frozen vegetables (peas, green beans, carrots, and celery, at least 1000 g)
- 500 g frozen peas
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chicken broth (or water, for a vegetarian option)
- 3-4 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil

Step by Step: How to Prepare Vegetable Soup

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the vegetables are cleaned and properly chopped. This is an essential step to ensure that the soup will have a uniform flavor.

2. Boiling the Chicken
In a large pot, add water, salt, and chicken breast. Boil over medium heat for about 20 minutes until the meat is well cooked. This is the perfect moment to recall the comforting flavors of childhood, when soups were lovingly prepared by grandparents.

3. Preparing the Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. In the same water, add the chopped vegetables (mushrooms, zucchini) and let them steam for 5-7 minutes so they retain their crunchy texture and nutrients. It’s important not to overcook them to avoid losing nutritional value.

4. Adding the Broth
After the vegetables are cooked, add the cup of tomato broth to the pot. This will add an intense flavor and vibrant color to your soup. Gently stir to combine the ingredients.

5. Completing the Soup
Add the mixed frozen vegetables and peas to the soup. Let everything boil for another 10-15 minutes until all the ingredients are well integrated. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasonings carefully.

6. Finalizing and Serving
Before serving, chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top of the soup. This will not only add extra flavor but also make the dish look more appetizing.

Practical Tips
- If you want a thicker soup, you can add some diced boiled potatoes to thicken the composition.
- Use seasonal vegetables to achieve the best flavors and nutrients. For example, carrots, celery, or peppers can bring a different taste.
- You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze it for moments when you don’t have time to cook.

Nutritional Benefits
Vegetable soup is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with low calorie content. It is ideal for detoxifying the body and maintaining a balanced diet. Additionally, vegetables are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Of course! Fresh vegetables will add a more intense flavor, but you will need to cook them a little longer to soften.
- How can I make the soup vegetarian?
Replace the chicken broth with water or vegetable stock to maintain the flavor.
- What other ingredients could I add?
You can experiment with various herbs (basil, oregano) or even rice or pasta to turn the soup into a main dish.

Serving
Vegetable soup can be served hot, alongside a slice of toasted bread or crunchy croutons. Additionally, a drizzle of olive oil on top can enhance the flavor.

This healthy and comforting dish pairs wonderfully with a cold lemonade or herbal tea, making every meal a pleasant and revitalizing experience.

Enjoy your meal!