Rustic vegetable soup

Country-style vegetable soup - a feast of nature on a plate

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Country-style vegetable soup is a traditional recipe loved by many for its flavor and nutritional benefits. This soup, full of fresh vegetables and delicious aromas, combines simple ingredients with an easy preparation technique, providing both comfort and a valuable intake of vitamins.

The history of vegetable soup is closely linked to rural life, where people used the available ingredients from their gardens to create healthy and nourishing dishes. This recipe will not only fill your stomach but also delight your senses with vibrant colors and natural flavors.

Necessary ingredients:

- 6-7 florets of cauliflower
- 6-7 florets of broccoli
- 100 g green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for extra color)
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 small kohlrabi
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 small celery
- 1 cup tomato juice (you can use pureed fresh tomatoes)
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 sprigs of fresh lovage
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- salt to taste
- a few peppercorns
- 1 clove of garlic (optional, but recommended for a more intense flavor)

Preparing the soup:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by preparing the vegetables. Chop the onion, carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, kohlrabi, celery, and green beans into small cubes. The smaller they are, the more pleasant the soup will taste. This step is essential as the vegetables will cook evenly.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden. This process will highlight the flavors of the vegetables and give the soup a special taste.

3. Add the remaining vegetables: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the other chopped vegetables (zucchini, kohlrabi, celery, and green beans) to the pot. Mix well and let them combine for a few minutes.

4. Boil the soup: Cover the vegetables with water (about 1.5 liters) and let them boil over medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Now is the time to focus on the flavors. Add salt and pepper to taste, the bay leaf, the garlic clove cut in half, and the tomato juice.

5. Adding the cauliflower and broccoli: After 20 minutes, add the cauliflower and broccoli florets to the pot. Continue to boil the soup for another 10 minutes until all the vegetables are cooked but still crunchy.

6. Finishing the dish: At the end of the cooking time, add the lemon juice and chopped fresh lovage. This will add a touch of freshness to the soup. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

7. Serving the soup: Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley on top. For an extra creaminess, you can add a spoonful of sour cream on top of each serving. Additionally, the soup can be enjoyed cold on hot summer days, being a refreshing and healthy option.

Useful tips:

- Vegetable varieties: Feel free to experiment with the vegetables at hand. You can add pumpkin, turnips, or even peas. Each ingredient brings a new taste and texture.
- Storing the soup: Country-style vegetable soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for long-term storage.
- Enhancements: If you want to add protein, consider including tofu cubes or pieces of boiled chicken. These can be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Share the moments: This soup is perfect for family meals, so don't hesitate to prepare it for your loved ones and share beautiful moments around the table.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

Country-style vegetable soup is a healthy option, low in calories, with approximately 150-200 calories per serving, depending on the added ingredients. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants due to the fresh vegetables used. This soup can support the immune system, digestion, and skin health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are an excellent option for soup, especially if you don't have access to fresh vegetables. Make sure to add them at the beginning of the cooking to give them enough time to thaw and cook.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
If you like spicy food, you can add a few slices of hot pepper or a pinch of hot paprika during cooking.

3. Is there a vegetarian version of the soup?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can turn the soup vegan by omitting the sour cream.

4. What can I pair with country-style soup?
The soup pairs perfectly with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread or crunchy croutons. A green salad or a tomato salad with onion can complete the meal.

Country-style vegetable soup is not just a delicious dish, but also an excellent way to enjoy seasonal fresh vegetables. Savor this vibrant and flavorful recipe, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 6-7 cauliflower florets, 6-7 broccoli florets, 100 g green beans, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 1 small zucchini, 1 small kohlrabi, 1 carrot, 1/2 small celery, 1 cup tomato juice, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of oil, 2 sprigs of lovage, 1 bunch of fresh parsley, 1 bay leaf, salt, a few peppercorns, 1 clove of garlic.

 Tags:  soup vegetables