Vegetable soup

Vegetable soup is a perfect choice for those days when we seek comfort in a warm bowl full of flavors and vitamins. This simple and quick recipe not only helps us use up leftover vegetables from the fridge, but it also enriches our meals with a fresh and vibrant taste. So let's get to work and discover together how to prepare a delicious vegetable soup!

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 3 lettuce leaves (preferably green)
- 2 radishes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Fresh dill (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional, but recommended)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

The story of vegetable soup:
Vegetable soup is a dish with a long-standing tradition, appreciated worldwide. It was created out of the necessity to use fresh, seasonal ingredients, and each culture has left its mark on the recipe, adding local ingredients and specific cooking techniques. Essentially, vegetable soup is a perfect example of how simplicity can lead to an exceptional result, offering important nutritional benefits such as fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Steps for preparing vegetable soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning all the vegetables. Wash the potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and onion well. Cut the potatoes into cubes, the carrots into rounds, the bell pepper into strips, and the onion into small pieces. The tomatoes can be cut into larger pieces, and the radishes into thin slices. Do the same with the lettuce leaves, cutting them into strips.

2. Boiling the vegetables:
Place a large pot over medium heat and fill it with water (about 2 liters). Add the potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and onion. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

3. Adding additional ingredients:
Once the vegetables have started boiling, add the tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, tomato paste, and chopped dill. These will add a fresh and vibrant flavor to your soup. Let the soup boil for another 10-15 minutes.

4. Finalizing the soup:
Once all the vegetables are cooked, add the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. If you wish, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice for an extra touch of acidity and freshness. Stir well and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.

5. Serving:
The soup is now ready! Serve it warm, with a spoonful of sour cream on top for added creaminess. The flavors will blend perfectly, and the consistency will be pleasant and comforting.

Helpful tip:
If you want a heartier soup, you can add some beans or lentils, which will turn the soup into a nourishing main dish. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as basil or thyme, to give it a different flavor profile.

Delicious combinations:
This vegetable soup pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted whole-grain bread or crunchy croutons. For a complete meal, you can serve it alongside a fresh seasonal salad or a vegetable tart. Additionally, a refreshing drink like herbal tea would be ideal to accompany this comforting dish.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a good option and can be used directly in the recipe without needing to thaw them beforehand.

- How can I store the soup?
Vegetable soup can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for later use, but it is better to consume it fresh to benefit from all the nutrients.

- Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, vegetable soup is completely vegan, perfect for those following a plant-based diet.

Nutritional benefits:
Vegetable soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber that aids digestion. It is an excellent option for those looking to increase their vegetable intake without adding many calories. A serving of soup has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the added ingredients.

Variations:
If you want to diversify the recipe, you can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or cauliflower. Additionally, experiment with spices like turmeric or curry to transform the soup into an exotic culinary experience.

In conclusion, vegetable soup is a versatile dish, easy to adapt, and perfect for any time of the day. Whether served as an appetizer or as a main course, this soup will warm you up and bring a smile to your face. So don't hesitate to start cooking and enjoy all the natural flavors it brings!