Vegetable soup

Vegetable soup with green beans: an explosion of flavors and health on your plate

When it comes to soups, nothing is more comforting than a steaming bowl of vegetable soup, full of vitamins and vibrant colors. Vegetable soup with green beans is an excellent choice for a light, healthy, and flavorful meal. This recipe is not only simple to make but also adaptable to the available ingredients, making it perfect for any kitchen. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 55-65 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- 3 medium carrots
- 1/2 celery root
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one yellow for extra color)
- 3 tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- 1/2 small cabbage
- 1 plate of green beans (about 200g)
- 1/2 zucchini
- 2 handfuls of green peas (about 150g)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Thyme (fresh or dried, as preferred)
- Fresh lovage (for an intense flavor)
- Fresh parsley (for a fragrant finish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
- 3 tablespoons of water

The story behind the recipe:
Vegetable soup is a traditional dish found in many cultures, serving to bring together seasonal ingredients and provide a nourishing meal. This recipe has been adapted over time, and our version with green beans adds a crunchy note and extra nutrients. Green beans are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Step by step to a perfect result:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by peeling all the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, and slice the carrots into rounds. Cut the celery, bell peppers, and zucchini into small cubes, and chop the tomatoes into small pieces. If you prefer a finer texture, you can peel the tomatoes, but I personally leave the skin on for added nutrients.

2. Sauté the onion:
In a large pot, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and 3 tablespoons of water. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the carrots and bell peppers:
Once the onion is softened, add the sliced carrots and bell pepper. Let them sauté together for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.

4. A dive into green flavors:
Now, add the diced celery and let it cook for a few more minutes. The flavors will blend, and the soup will begin to develop a delicious base.

5. Adding water and seasonings:
Pour water over the vegetables to cover them completely. Add some salt and let it boil. When the water starts to boil, add the chopped tomatoes and cover with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

6. The green beans enter the scene:
When the carrots are almost cooked, add the broken green beans. Boil everything together for about 5-7 minutes.

7. Add the remaining vegetables:
Now is the time to add the shredded cabbage, zucchini, and green peas. Add more water if necessary and add thyme and tomato paste. Let it boil together for another 10-15 minutes, until all the vegetables are cooked but still retain a crunchy texture.

8. Finalizing the dish:
At the end, adjust salt and pepper to taste, add the chopped lovage and parsley. Mix well, then turn off the heat. Your vegetable soup with green beans is ready!

9. Serving:
Serve the soup hot, with a slice of fresh bread or polenta on the side. A spoonful of sour cream can perfectly complement this dish, adding a touch of creaminess.

Useful tips:
- If you want a spicier version, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper during the onion sautéing stage.
- You can experiment with other available vegetables: potatoes, pumpkin, or even smoked fish for an extra flavor boost.
- Vegetable soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- This recipe is vegan and has about 150-200 calories per serving, being rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are an excellent option, but remember that the cooking time may be shorter.

2. How can I enhance the soup's flavor?
You can add a few bay leaves during boiling or use homemade tomato paste.

3. How quickly does the soup cook?
The total time is about 55-65 minutes, but you can reduce this time if you use pre-cut vegetables.

4. What other dishes pair well with vegetable soup?
A fresh crudités salad or a platter of cheeses and cold cuts are excellent accompaniments.

Vegetable soup with green beans is not just a meal, but also an experience, an opportunity to enjoy natural flavors and nourish your body with essential nutrients. I encourage you to try this recipe and personalize it to your liking. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 onion, 3 carrots, 1/2 celery, 2 bell peppers, 3 tomatoes, 1/2 small cabbage, 1 plate of green beans, 1/2 zucchini, 2 handfuls of green peas, 2 tablespoons of broth, thyme, lovage, parsley, salt, pepper

 Tags:  soup vegetables lovage