Vegetable soup

Vegetable Soup – An explosion of flavors and health on your plate!

Vegetable soup is one of those classic, comforting recipes that remind us of family meals and moments spent together. It is an excellent choice for a nourishing meal, packed with vitamins and minerals, perfect for any season. With simple and accessible ingredients, this soup is not only easy to prepare but also an economical option, ideal for days when the budget is tight, yet we want to enjoy a tasty and healthy meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- ½ long green onion (or white onion, if preferred)
- ½ red bell pepper
- 1 ½ carrots
- ¼ small cabbage (or ½, depending on preferences)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 100 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or 1 fresh tomato diced)
- Vegeta or salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Chop the onion, carrots, and bell pepper into small cubes. The cabbage should be sliced thinly, and the potatoes diced. If you choose to use fresh tomato, prepare it now by dicing.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a tall pot, add the two tablespoons of sunflower oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the carrots and bell pepper, continuing to sauté for another 3-4 minutes.

3. Adding the cabbage: Once the vegetables have softened, it’s time to add the cabbage. Mix well and let it sauté for another 3-4 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors and give the soup a richer taste.

4. Adding the potatoes and water: Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes. Mix well to combine with the other vegetables. After a few minutes, add water – about 1.5 liters should be sufficient. Let the soup reach boiling point.

5. Adding the tomato juice: Once the water has started boiling, add the tomato paste or diced tomatoes. This ingredient will give the soup a vibrant color and delicious taste. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are cooked and the potatoes become soft.

6. Finalizing the soup: At the end, add the peas (if using frozen peas, there is no need to thaw them first) and the chopped parsley. These ingredients will give the soup an extra freshness.

7. Preparing the egg ribbons: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork until the white and yolk are well mixed. When the soup is still on the heat, take a spoonful of hot soup and add it to the egg, stirring quickly. This will help temper the egg so it doesn’t coagulate suddenly.

8. Finalizing the soup: Add the egg ribbons to the pot, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the egg coagulates and forms those delicious strands.

9. Serving: Your soup is ready! It can be served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt on top for a creamy touch. A slice of fresh bread or warm polenta pairs perfectly with this dish.

Useful tips and tricks:
- If you prefer a more tangy soup, you can add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar at the end.
- You can experiment with various vegetables depending on the season. For example, adding zucchini or green beans can vary the texture and taste of the soup.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add spices like black pepper, thyme, or paprika.

Nutritional benefits:
Vegetable soup is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), and essential minerals. Consuming fresh vegetables contributes to maintaining a healthy immune system and good digestion. Additionally, it is low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the vegetables in the recipe? Yes, you can use any vegetables you prefer or have on hand.
- How long does the soup last in the refrigerator? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and its flavor will intensify as it sits.
- Can I freeze the soup? Yes, the soup can be frozen in portions, but it is recommended to avoid freezing peas as their texture will be affected.

This vegetable soup is not just a delicious meal but also a healthy and nourishing option. Whether you prepare it for a family meal or to treat yourself on a gloomy day, it is definitely a dish that will bring a smile to anyone's face. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: half a long green onion (or if not - white onion) half a red bell pepper 1 1/2 carrots a quarter of cabbage (or half depending on size and preference) 2 potatoes 100 g peas 1 egg 2 tablespoons of tomato paste or one tomato vegetable seasoning to taste 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil parsley

 Tags:  soups