Tomato soup with noodles - vegan

Tomato Soup with Noodles - Vegan

Tomato soup with noodles is a traditional Romanian recipe, perfect for days when we crave a healthy and comforting dish, without meat. This simple and quick recipe brings fresh flavors and an explosion of vitamins to the table, making it ideal not only for fasting but also for anyone who appreciates a light and flavorful meal. Additionally, it is a versatile recipe that can be adapted based on available ingredients or personal preferences.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 4 medium potatoes
- 2 onions
- 2 carrots
- 1/2 celery
- 1 parsnip
- 2 red bell peppers
- 0.5 L tomato juice
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 100 g noodles (preferably whole wheat)
- 2-3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the vegetables well. Peel the potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and parsnip. Cut the potatoes into cubes, the onion into julienne, the carrots and parsnip into rounds, and the celery into small cubes. The red bell peppers are cut into thin strips. This step is essential to ensure that the vegetables cook evenly.

2. Boiling the vegetables
In a large pot, add about 2 liters of water and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the onion and let it boil for 5 minutes to release its flavors. Then, add the potatoes, carrots, celery, parsnip, and bell peppers. Cover the pot and let the vegetables boil over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until they become tender.

3. Adding the tomato juice
After the vegetables have boiled, add the tomato juice to the pot. This will add depth of flavor to your soup. Add salt to taste and the juice of one lemon, which will provide a note of freshness and balance the sweetness of the vegetables. Gently stir to combine the flavors.

4. Cooking the noodles
After adding the tomato juice, you can add the noodles. Make sure to add them gradually, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Let everything boil for 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. Check periodically to ensure they are not sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Finalizing the soup
Once the noodles are ready, remove the pot from heat. Add the finely chopped fresh parsley to bring a splash of color and flavor. Taste the soup and adjust the salt or lemon juice as preferred.

6. Serving
Serve the soup hot in bowls and enjoy its comforting aroma. You can accompany it with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons for added texture.

Practical Tips

- Choose fresh vegetables: The taste of the soup depends greatly on the quality of the vegetables. Choose fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavors.

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of noodles, such as rice or buckwheat noodles, to adapt the recipe to your preferences. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, to enrich the soup.

- Tricks for better flavor: If you want a more intense soup flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or even spices like basil or oregano. These will add an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Tomato soup with noodles is not only delicious but also healthy. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which helps protect the body against free radicals. Additionally, the vegetables used are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use canned tomato juice?
Yes, canned tomato juice is an excellent option, but make sure it is of high quality and free of additives.

- What other herbs can I use?
Besides parsley, you can try dill, basil, or thyme, each adding extra flavor to your soup.

- How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen, but the noodles may become soft upon thawing.

Serving Recommendations

To transform this soup into a complete meal, you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or a beet salad. Additionally, a glass of lemonade or iced mint tea would be a perfect accompaniment to balance the intense flavor of the soup.

Enjoy this tomato soup with noodles, which brings warmth and comfort to your bowl. A simple, vitamin-packed recipe that will make you feel good, both physically and emotionally! Enjoy your meal!