Vegetable soup

Vegetable Soup with Homemade Flavor: A Healthy and Tasty Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Vegetable soup is a classic dish loved by many generations, bringing the essence of freshness and health to the plate. This vegetable soup recipe is not only easy to prepare but also extremely versatile, allowing for adaptation based on available ingredients. The soup can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, offering a perfect balance between nutrients and flavor.

The ingredients needed to prepare this delicacy are simple, yet each one adds a note of freshness and important nutritional value. Here’s what you will need:

Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 medium parsnip
- 1 small celery stalk
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 large potato
- 15 cm of leek
- 150 g frozen green beans
- 100 g frozen peas
- 1 liter of tomato juice
- 1 liter of borscht (or to taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of frozen (or fresh) lovage
- Oil for sautéing
- Salt, to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by preparing the vegetables. Wash the onion, carrot, parsnip, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, and potato well. Chop the onion finely, slice the carrot and parsnip into rounds, and dice the celery and bell pepper. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of your soup.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, parsnip, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become slightly soft and aromatic. This is a crucial step, as sautéing the vegetables brings out their natural flavors.

3. Adding the liquid: Once the vegetables are sautéed, gradually add 1 liter of warm water, stirring well. Continue to add water until you reach a total of 3 liters. This will be the base of your soup, full of flavor.

4. Boiling the vegetables: Season with salt and let the soup boil for 25 minutes over medium heat. This time will allow the vegetables to soften and release their flavors into the water.

5. Adding additional vegetables: After 25 minutes, add the diced zucchini and potato, green beans, and frozen peas. Continue to boil the soup for another 20 minutes. These vegetables add not only color but also an interesting texture to the dish.

6. Finishing the soup: After 20 minutes, add the tomato juice and let it boil for 5 minutes. This will provide a pleasant acidity and vibrant color to the soup. Finally, add the borscht and adjust the salt to taste. Let the soup boil for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.

7. Serving: Before serving, add the chopped parsley and lovage. These herbs will add freshness and an intense flavor to your soup. Serve the soup hot, alongside hot peppers for an extra kick and a slice of homemade bread to complete the meal. For those who are not fasting, add a tablespoon of sour cream on top for a creamy touch.

Useful tips:
- Variety of vegetables: You can experiment with the vegetables you have on hand. For example, carrots can be replaced with beets, and zucchini with eggplant. Be creative!
- More intense flavor: If you desire a stronger aroma, you can add a few peppercorns or a bay leaf during boiling.
- Spicier soup: For those who love strong flavors, you can add a few slices of hot pepper to the soup.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is not only delicious but also healthy. It is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables, with a low calorie content, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. It is a good source of fiber, which contributes to digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a convenient option and retain most of the nutrients.
- How long does the soup last? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can even freeze it to enjoy later.
- Is this recipe vegan? Yes, the recipe is completely vegan, perfect for those following a plant-based diet.

This homemade vegetable soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is an escape into a world of authentic flavors and culinary traditions. Savor each spoonful and enjoy health and well-being!