Vegetable soup

Recipe for Aromatic Vegetable Soup

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Welcome to the delicious world of vegetable soup! This simple and quick recipe will delight your senses and warm your soul on the coldest days. Vegetable soup is a universal dish, loved by all ages, that brings together the fresh flavors of vegetables and their nutritional benefits. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for a light, healthy, and nourishing meal.

The history of vegetable soup is rich and diverse, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. It has often been considered a staple dish, easy to make, allowing for the use of seasonal ingredients. Vegetable soup not only provides a comforting taste but is also a great way to consume a variety of vegetables, essential for a balanced diet.

Necessary ingredients:
- 6 medium potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 bell pepper (preferably green or red for a more intense flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2 cups of borscht (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of Delikat (or salt, to taste)
- Olive oil or sunflower oil (for sautéing)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the onion. Wash it well and chop it finely. This ingredient will provide the base of the soup, bringing a sweet and aromatic flavor.

2. Sautéing the onion: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Let it sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.

3. Adding water: After the onion has sautéed, add 2 liters of water and bring it to a boil. It is important not to add all the vegetables at once, as each vegetable has a different cooking time.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Clean the remaining vegetables. Cut the potatoes and bell pepper into small cubes. The carrots can be cut in half and then into quarters. This cutting will help with even cooking. Once the water has begun to boil, add all the vegetables to the pot.

5. Boiling: Let the vegetables boil over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots become tender. It is important to check the state of the vegetables occasionally and stir gently.

6. Adding borscht: Near the end of the cooking time, add the 2 cups of borscht, which will bring a tangy and fresh flavor to the soup. If desired, you can adjust the amount of borscht according to your personal preferences.

7. Seasoning: Add the 2 tablespoons of Delikat (or salt, to taste) and stir well to combine the flavors. If you want a more flavorful soup, feel free to add other spices, such as pepper or sweet paprika.

8. Finalizing: When the vegetables are cooked, add the chopped fresh parsley and stir. This will bring a fresh aroma and enrich the soup with essential nutrients.

9. Serving: The vegetable soup is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread or crispy croutons. You can add a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess, if desired.

Suggestions for variations:
- You can add other vegetables of your choice, such as zucchini, celery, or green beans, to diversify the soup's flavor.
- A vegetarian option would be to replace Delikat with a vegetable seasoning alternative.

Nutritional information:
This vegetable soup is not only delicious but also extremely healthy. It is rich in fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), and minerals, with a low caloric intake of around 150 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. It is an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?: Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a convenient option and can be successfully used in this soup.
2. How can I make the soup spicier?: You can add hot peppers or spicy seasonings, such as hot paprika or chili flakes.
3. Can the soup be stored for the next day?: Yes, the soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to store it in airtight containers.

This vegetable soup is perfect for serving at lunch or dinner, alongside a fresh salad or a slice of rustic bread. Enjoy every spoonful and let yourself be enchanted by the natural flavors of the vegetables! Bon appétit!