Vegetable soup

Vegetable soup - A Taste of Nature

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Boiling time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8

Vegetable soup is a dish full of freshness and vitality, bringing to the table not only a burst of flavors, but also a colorful palette of vitamins and minerals. This simple and healthy recipe has been enjoyed throughout the ages by many cultures and is a symbol of comfort and home cooking. Whether you enjoy it on cold winter days or cool summer evenings, vegetable soup is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste.

Your basic ingredients:

- 1 medium onion
- 2 carrots
- A piece of celery (about 100g)
- 1 bell pepper (any color you prefer)
- 200g green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium zucchini
- 4 potatoes (preferably new potatoes for a sweeter taste)
- 1l stock (or to taste)
- 500ml tomato juice (you can use fresh crushed tomatoes)
- 2l water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill (or dried, but fresh is great)
- Olive or sunflower oil for browning the vegetables

Step by step to a perfect soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Wash the vegetables thoroughly. Chop the onion, carrots, celery and bell pepper into small cubes to allow them to brown evenly. Each added ingredient will contribute to a mix of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

2. Blanch the vegetables:
In a large pot, heat a couple tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery and bell pepper. Cook the vegetables for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent and slightly golden. This step is essential to develop a rich flavor base.

3. Adding other vegetables:
Add the pods and diced zucchini, continuing to cook for 5 minutes. Here, the zucchini will add a slightly sweet flavor and a nice texture.

4. Boiling the soup:
Pour water into the pot, bringing everything to a boil. This is when all the flavors will combine and the vegetables will start to soften. Once the water has come to a boil, add the diced potatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes. The potatoes not only enrich the soup, but also help to thicken it.

5. Finishing the soup:
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the tomato juice, stock, salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the flavors meld. This is the stage when the soup becomes truly delicious.

6. Adding the dill:
Once you've turned off the heat, add the freshly chopped dill. Its fresh flavor will intensify the taste of the soup and give it a vibrant look.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the vegetable soup warm, with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. If you like a hint of acidity, add a few drops of lemon juice. You can also sprinkle a little feta cheese or grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Tips and variations:
- You can add other seasonal or favorite vegetables, such as squash or mushrooms.
- Substitute apple cider vinegar for a different touch of acidity.
- The vegetable broth can be thickened with a tablespoon of rice or tomato paste if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- If you want a richer flavor, add a few bay leaves during simmering.

Nutritional benefits:
Vegetable soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and is low in calories, making it ideal for a balanced diet. It's high in fiber, helping digestion and gut health, and contains antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a great option and can be added directly to the soup, saving time.

2. How can I spice up the soup?
Add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes while the vegetables are cooking.

3. How long does the soup keep in the fridge?
Vegetable broth keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and the taste gets even better as it sits.

4. What other recipes can I try with these ingredients?
You can use the leftover vegetables to make a delicious salad, a baked dish or even a stew.

Vegetable soup is a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for any occasion. Dare to personalize it and make it just the way you like it! I invite you to put your personal stamp on this classic recipe and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 onion, 2 carrots, a piece of celery, 1 bell pepper, 200 g green beans, 1 zucchini, 4 potatoes, 1 l borscht, 500 ml tomato juice, 2 l water, salt, pepper, lovage, oil for sautéing the vegetables