Vegetable soup

Vegetable Soup - A Sweet and Healthy Delight

Total time: 50-60 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Vegetable soup is a dish that brings not only an explosion of flavors to your plate but also a touch of nostalgia. This simple yet flavorful recipe stands out for the natural sweetness of the vegetables, offering a healthy and comforting alternative on cool days. Without using borscht, our soup will be slightly sweet but incredibly tasty.

Ingredients needed:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 parsley root, peeled and diced
- 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
- 1 small celery, peeled and diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 100 g frozen peas
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red), diced
- 3 tablespoons crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3-4 tablespoons sunflower oil or olive oil
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vegetable seasoning (or another spice mix)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and chopping all the vegetables. The onion, carrots, parsley root, parsnip, and celery should be finely chopped to cook evenly and absorb the flavors. This is an essential step, as details matter in making a delicious soup.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, parsley root, parsnip, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. This step will release the flavors and prepare the soup base.

3. Boiling: Once the vegetables start to become translucent, pour in water (about 1.5 liters) to cover all the ingredients. Add the diced bell pepper and vegetable seasoning. Let the soup boil for 15-20 minutes over medium heat. If desired, you can cover the pot with a lid to speed up the boiling process.

4. Adding potatoes and peas: Once the vegetables have started to soften, add the cubed potatoes and frozen peas. Continue to boil the soup for another 15-20 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.

5. Finishing the soup: When the vegetables are cooked, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. These will not only add a rich flavor but also a vibrant color to the soup. Boil for another 5 minutes, then adjust the taste with salt and pepper.

6. Flavoring: Finally, add the chopped dill and lovage. These fresh herbs will enhance the soup's aroma. Give it one last boil, and your soup is ready!

Serving: The vegetable soup is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top, and for those who love a bit of spice, add slices of hot pepper. This will add an interesting note to your dish.

Tips and useful advice:
- You can experiment with the vegetables you have on hand. For example, add zucchini or eggplant for a varied version.
- If you prefer a heartier soup, you can also add beans or lentils.
- The vegetable soup is even better the next day when the flavors have time to meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it before serving.
- Don’t forget to save some herbs for garnish for a more appealing look.

Nutritional benefits: This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals due to the variety of vegetables used. It is an excellent source of fiber, aiding digestion, and is low in calories, making it ideal for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the vegetables with other types? Yes, the soup is very versatile. You can add any vegetables you prefer or even what you have in your fridge.
- How can I make the soup heartier? By adding pasta or rice during boiling, you can turn this soup into a main dish.

Vegetable soup is not only a healthy dish but also a perfect way to enjoy the natural taste of vegetables. Whether served on a cool day or as a light meal, it is definitely a dish we can enjoy at any time. Enjoy your meal!