Vegetable cream soup

Vegetable cream soup is a comforting, healthy, and extremely versatile dish, perfect for any season. This recipe will not only warm your soul but also bring a splash of color to your plate. Preparing a vegetable cream soup is an art that combines tradition with innovation – an excellent way to use seasonal vegetables and create a delicious dish from simple ingredients.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1/2 parsnip, diced
- 1 potato, diced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1/4 celery, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 100 ml cooking cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water

Preparing the vegetable cream soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut them according to the instructions in the ingredient list, ensuring that the cubes are of uniform size for even cooking. Parsnip adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavor, while the potato will provide a creamy texture. The carrot and red bell pepper will add color and pleasant taste.

2. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, add all the chopped vegetables, thyme sprigs, and salted water, enough to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the vegetables to simmer for about 45 minutes. This step will ensure that the flavors develop and the vegetables soften, making them easy to process later.

3. Separating the vegetables from the water: Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the pot using a slotted spoon and carefully reserve the cooking water. This water contains many of the nutrients and flavors from the vegetables, so don’t throw it away!

4. Blending the vegetables: Using an immersion blender or a traditional blender, add the cooked vegetables and start blending. Gradually add the reserved cooking water until you reach the desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker soup, use less water, and if you like a more fluid texture, you can add more water.

5. Adding the cream: Once the vegetables are transformed into a smooth puree, add the cooking cream. Blend again until everything is well combined. The cream will not only add delicious creaminess but will also enrich the flavor of the soup.

6. Seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. You can experiment with additional spices, such as nutmeg or balsamic vinegar, for an extra flavor boost.

Serving suggestions and variations:
- Serve the vegetable cream soup warm, garnished with a few fresh thyme leaves or a spoonful of cream on top. You can also add crunchy croutons for a contrasting texture.
- If you want to turn this soup into a heartier dish, add cooked chicken cubes or boiled chickpeas.
- Another delicious variation would be to add a few slices of fresh chili for a spicy kick.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing an excellent source of fiber due to the vegetables. It is a fantastic option for a light lunch or a healthy dinner, having a low calorie count, making it ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! You can experiment with your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower.
- How can I store the soup? You can keep the soup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later use.
- Is this recipe vegan? Yes, if you omit the cream and use a plant-based alternative, the soup will be completely vegan.

With this vegetable cream soup recipe, you will not only impress your family and friends but also enrich your diet with a nutritious and delicious meal. Try to personalize your recipe and share your culinary creations with us. Enjoy every bite!