Vegetable soup with croutons

Vegetable soup with croutons is a comforting dish, full of nutrients and flavors, perfect for warm summer days. This simple and quick recipe will bring a healthy delicacy to your table, which can be customized to your taste. Additionally, the crunchy croutons are a delicious addition that transforms the soup into an unforgettable culinary experience. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

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

### Ingredients:

- 2 medium carrots
- 1 leek
- 1/2 small cabbage
- 4 potatoes
- 2 parsley roots
- 1 celery
- 1 bunch of lovage (or parsley, according to preference)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream
- 2 liters of water

### Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling all the vegetables. Cut the carrots and parsley into small cubes or thin slices. Chop the onion finely, and slice the leek lengthwise, then into rings. Finely chop the cabbage, and cut the potatoes into cubes. This step is essential for ensuring even cooking.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the butter and place it over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the onion, carrots, leek, and celery. Cover the pot with a lid and let the vegetables sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly translucent.

3. Adding the water: After the vegetables have started to brown, add the 2 liters of water. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the potatoes, cabbage, and parsley. Cover again and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes.

4. Finishing the soup: Once all the vegetables are cooked and tender, take the soup off the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup, achieving a smooth texture. If you prefer a chunky soup, you can skip this step. Add the sour cream and mix well. Taste and season with salt if necessary.

5. Preparing the croutons: Cut some slices of bread (preferably rustic bread) into small cubes and toast them in a pan with a little oil or butter until golden and crispy. These will add a delicious texture to your soup.

### Serving:

Serve the vegetable soup hot, with a spoonful of croutons on top. For an extra flavor boost, you can add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, on top. This soup is perfect as an appetizer or as a main dish, being an excellent choice for a light and nutritious meal.

### Useful tips:

- Variations: You can also add other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or peas, to diversify the flavors.
- Parsley: If you don’t have lovage, you can substitute it with fresh parsley, which will add a fresh and fragrant note to the soup.
- Storage: The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for later consumption.

This vegetable soup is not just a simple recipe, but also an excellent way to enjoy fresh seasonal produce. Savor each bite and enjoy the health benefits of vegetables!