Tomato soup with rice noodles - a Lenten delight
A tomato soup with rice noodles is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a light, healthy, and flavorful meal, especially during Lent or when we want something lighter. This recipe, rich in vegetables and flavored with fresh herbs, brings a touch of joy to every bowl. Let's begin our culinary journey!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 red onion
- 3 large carrots
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (about 400g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons of dried vegetables (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of mixed peppercorns
- 3 liters of still water
- 100g thin rice noodles
- Fresh parsley and dill for garnish
Preparation steps:
1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and washing the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. This is an essential step, as fresh vegetables are the key to a tasty soup. The red onion adds a sweet note and vibrant color, while the carrots will provide a pleasant texture. The red bell pepper will enhance the soup's aroma.
2. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, add 3 liters of still water. Place the whole onion (to remove it more easily later), sliced carrots, and diced bell pepper. Add 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste, along with a teaspoon of mixed peppercorns. Cover the pot and let it boil over medium heat until a fork easily pierces the carrots, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Adding the tomatoes: Once the vegetables are boiled, add the crushed tomatoes and bay leaf. Let the soup come to a boil for a few minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
4. The noodles: Meanwhile, cut the rice noodles to your preference using kitchen scissors. Add them to the pot and let the soup boil over medium heat for about 15 minutes, until the noodles are cooked, but be careful not to overcook them to avoid mushy pasta.
5. Finalizing the soup: After the noodles are ready, turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh herbs (parsley and dill). Let the soup sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld, then remove the whole onion and serve the soup hot.
Serving and suggestions:
This delicious soup is served hot, and for an extra flavor boost, you can add some toasted bread croutons or a drizzle of olive oil on top. Additionally, a slice of lemon at serving can add a touch of freshness. It pairs perfectly with a crunchy green salad on the side.
Tips and advice:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add spices like basil or oregano, which blend perfectly with tomatoes.
- If you want a heartier soup, you can add additional root vegetables, such as celery or parsnip.
- Use filtered water or mineral water for a better taste.
Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables used. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which helps protect cells. Carrots provide a significant amount of beta-carotene, essential for skin and vision health. Rice noodles offer easily digestible carbohydrates, making them an ideal option for a light meal.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I substitute rice noodles with another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, but cooking time may vary.
2. Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add the noodles only upon reheating to avoid a mushy texture.
3. How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add a chopped chili pepper or chili flakes during cooking.
A personal note:
This soup reminds me of the evenings spent with family, when we gathered around the table and shared stories while savoring each spoonful of flavor and warmth. I encourage you to invite your family and friends to join in, as a meal is always better when shared!
Enjoy every step of preparing this wonderful soup and don't forget to experiment with various ingredients to give it a touch of uniqueness. Bon appétit!
A tomato soup with rice noodles is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a light, healthy, and flavorful meal, especially during Lent or when we want something lighter. This recipe, rich in vegetables and flavored with fresh herbs, brings a touch of joy to every bowl. Let's begin our culinary journey!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 red onion
- 3 large carrots
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (about 400g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons of dried vegetables (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of mixed peppercorns
- 3 liters of still water
- 100g thin rice noodles
- Fresh parsley and dill for garnish
Preparation steps:
1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and washing the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. This is an essential step, as fresh vegetables are the key to a tasty soup. The red onion adds a sweet note and vibrant color, while the carrots will provide a pleasant texture. The red bell pepper will enhance the soup's aroma.
2. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, add 3 liters of still water. Place the whole onion (to remove it more easily later), sliced carrots, and diced bell pepper. Add 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste, along with a teaspoon of mixed peppercorns. Cover the pot and let it boil over medium heat until a fork easily pierces the carrots, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Adding the tomatoes: Once the vegetables are boiled, add the crushed tomatoes and bay leaf. Let the soup come to a boil for a few minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
4. The noodles: Meanwhile, cut the rice noodles to your preference using kitchen scissors. Add them to the pot and let the soup boil over medium heat for about 15 minutes, until the noodles are cooked, but be careful not to overcook them to avoid mushy pasta.
5. Finalizing the soup: After the noodles are ready, turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh herbs (parsley and dill). Let the soup sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld, then remove the whole onion and serve the soup hot.
Serving and suggestions:
This delicious soup is served hot, and for an extra flavor boost, you can add some toasted bread croutons or a drizzle of olive oil on top. Additionally, a slice of lemon at serving can add a touch of freshness. It pairs perfectly with a crunchy green salad on the side.
Tips and advice:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add spices like basil or oregano, which blend perfectly with tomatoes.
- If you want a heartier soup, you can add additional root vegetables, such as celery or parsnip.
- Use filtered water or mineral water for a better taste.
Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables used. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which helps protect cells. Carrots provide a significant amount of beta-carotene, essential for skin and vision health. Rice noodles offer easily digestible carbohydrates, making them an ideal option for a light meal.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I substitute rice noodles with another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, but cooking time may vary.
2. Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add the noodles only upon reheating to avoid a mushy texture.
3. How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add a chopped chili pepper or chili flakes during cooking.
A personal note:
This soup reminds me of the evenings spent with family, when we gathered around the table and shared stories while savoring each spoonful of flavor and warmth. I encourage you to invite your family and friends to join in, as a meal is always better when shared!
Enjoy every step of preparing this wonderful soup and don't forget to experiment with various ingredients to give it a touch of uniqueness. Bon appétit!