Vegetable cream soup

Vegetable Cream Soup - An Explosion of Flavors and Health

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

In a world where health and taste blend perfectly, vegetable cream soup is an excellent choice. It is a versatile soup that can be enjoyed both hot and cold, making it ideal for warm days or for warming your soul on cool evenings. This recipe is not only simple but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the fresh vegetables that make it up. Let's dive into the wonderful world of creamy soups!

Basic ingredients:

- 4 medium carrots, fresh and crunchy
- 2 celery stalks, with a slightly sweet taste and distinctive aroma
- 1 red onion, for an extra flavor boost
- 1 bell pepper, which will add a splash of color
- 1 leek, which will provide finesse to the soups
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of dried lovage, for an irresistible fragrance
- A pinch of rosemary powder, adding a Mediterranean note
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil, to intensify the flavors
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil, an essential ingredient for a smooth texture

Preparing the soup: Step by step

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by cleaning all the vegetables. Make sure the carrots are well washed and cut the ends. Cut the carrots, celery, and bell pepper into large pieces, and slice the red onion and leek into rings. The larger they are cut, the faster they will cook.

2. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, add the 2 liters of water. Add the chopped vegetables, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the water to a boil and let the vegetables simmer for about 30 minutes until they become tender. It is important not to overcook them to preserve as many nutrients as possible.

3. Pureeing the vegetables: Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a blender or a large bowl. Add some of the broth they cooked in (about 500 ml) to facilitate pureeing. Pureeing the vegetables will turn everything into a smooth and creamy mixture.

4. Straining the soup: After you have obtained a homogeneous paste, it is time to strain the remaining soup to remove any larger pieces or impurities. This will ensure a fine and elegant texture of the soup.

5. Mixing the ingredients: In the same pot, mix the vegetable paste with the strained soup. This is the moment to add the spices: lovage, rosemary, and basil. Pour in the two tablespoons of olive oil, which will add a rich flavor and a velvety consistency. Let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes so that the flavors blend harmoniously.

6. Serving: The soup is now ready to serve! You can present it in deep bowls, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil. If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds on top.

Suggestions and variations:

- Adding protein: If you want to turn the soup into a main dish, you can add cubes of tofu or cooked chicken.
- Vegetable variations: Experiment with other vegetables such as zucchini, potatoes, or beets to achieve different flavors.
- Summer soup: In warm season, let the soup cool to room temperature and then refrigerate it for a few hours. A cold vegetable soup is refreshing and perfect for hot days.

Nutritional information:

This vegetable cream soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Each serving contains approximately 120 calories, making it an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Carrots and celery are rich in antioxidants, contributing to skin health, while olive oil adds healthy fats for the heart.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can the soup be frozen? Yes, the soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the soup? You can add garlic or ginger for a more intense flavor. Additionally, a splash of lemon juice at the end will add a note of freshness.
- What goes best with this soup? A slice of garlic toast or a fresh green salad can perfectly complement the meal.

Vegetable cream soup is a wonderful choice for a healthy and comforting meal. Whether you enjoy it alone or with loved ones, each spoonful will provide you with an explosion of flavors and a feeling of well-being. Feel free to experiment and customize the recipe to your taste! Enjoy your meal!