Soups - Farmer's soup with vegetables and pasta by Milena L. - Recipia
Farmer's Vegetable and Pasta Soup

This delicious soup, also known as "farmer's soup," is a true culinary treasure, packed with vitamins and flavors! Its origins lie in the tradition of home cooking, where fresh, seasonal ingredients come together harmoniously to create a comforting dish, perfect for a family meal or to be enjoyed on chilly evenings.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 30 ml extra virgin olive oil (for a rich flavor)
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 200 g turnips, peeled and diced
- 175 g cabbage, chopped
- 400 g fresh or canned tomatoes, diced
- 15 ml tomato paste (to enhance the flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Mediterranean spices (a blend of aromatic herbs)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 50 g bell pepper, diced
- 1.5 l water or vegetable broth (for added flavor)
- 50 g pasta (choose your favorite type, from penne to fusilli)
- 400 g canned beans (for a healthy protein source)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for a fresh and aromatic garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start with the soup base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This is the perfect time to sprinkle in a bit of salt, which will help release the juices from the onion.

2. Add the vegetables: Once the onion is softened, add the carrots, turnips, and bell pepper. Stir well and let the vegetables soften for about 5-7 minutes. It's important not to let them burn, so stir occasionally.

3. Tomatoes and spices: Once the vegetables are lightly sautéed, add the tomatoes, tomato paste, Mediterranean spices, and oregano. Mix well to combine the flavors. At this stage, you can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, if needed.

4. Boil the soup: Pour the water or vegetable broth into the pot and bring everything to a boil. Then, cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Pasta: After 30 minutes, add the pasta to the soup. Make sure to follow the cooking time on the pasta package, cooking it for 3 minutes less than indicated. It's essential to stir the pasta frequently to avoid sticking.

6. Beans: Once the pasta is nearly done, add the canned beans to the pot and let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step will add a pleasant texture and a source of healthy protein.

7. Finishing the soup: Turn off the heat and add the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. Now, your farmer's soup is ready to be served!

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup hot, topped with grated parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
- You can also add crunchy croutons or fresh bread to complete the meal.

Practical tips:
- This soup is very versatile! You can adapt the ingredients based on the vegetables available in your fridge. Consider adding zucchini, beetroot, or even potatoes for a heartier version.
- For an even more filling soup, add cooked chicken or a few slices of sausage.
- If you want a vegetarian option, make sure that the tomato paste and pasta are free from animal-derived ingredients.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables. The beans provide a healthy dose of protein, while the olive oil is an excellent source of healthy fats.

Calories:
A serving of farmer's soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients and portions used, making it an excellent choice for a light meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables? Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a convenient alternative and often just as nutritious as fresh ones.
2. How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for later use, but the pasta may become soft after thawing.
3. What drinks pair well with this soup? A dry white wine or a herbal tea pairs perfectly with farmer's soup.

I hope you try this delicious and healthy recipe for farmer's vegetable and pasta soup! It's a comforting meal that will surely bring warmth and joy to every home. Enjoy!

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Soups - Farmer's soup with vegetables and pasta by Milena L. - Recipia

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