Vegetable soup with broccoli

Vegetable soup with broccoli – a healthy delight on your plate

Vegetable soup is undoubtedly a classic dish in kitchens around the world, bringing not only flavor but also a multitude of nutritional benefits. Broccoli, one of the key ingredients in this recipe, is a vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, positively impacting our health. Whether you are a cooking enthusiast or a beginner, this vegan soup is easy to prepare and extremely tasty, even for those who are not fans of broccoli.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Your basic ingredients:

- 1 medium piece of broccoli
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 tomato
- 2 medium onions
- 4 medium pink potatoes
- 4 carrots
- 2 parsley roots
- 1/4 celery
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Sunflower oil, for sautéing
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Thyme, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley leaves

Step one – preparing the ingredients

Start by ensuring you have all the ingredients at hand. Wash the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water to remove impurities. Then, peel the root vegetables: carrots, parsley, and celery. Cut them into large pieces to add later to the pot with water. Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic.

The star of the recipe, the broccoli, should be broken into florets. Make sure to wash them well, as they can harbor insects. Once you have prepared all the vegetables, you are ready to start cooking!

Step two – the soup base

In a large pot (about 5 liters), add the 4 liters of cold water and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add the root vegetables (carrots, parsley, and celery). Let them boil over medium heat, and when foam forms, skim it off with a slotted spoon and discard it. This is an important step to achieve a clear and delicious soup.

Step three – sautéing the vegetables

Meanwhile, in a deep skillet, add a generous amount of sunflower oil and sauté the onion and garlic over low heat. It is essential to sauté them gently so that they become translucent without burning. This brings a sweet aroma to your soup.

Add the julienned bell peppers to the skillet and let them sauté together with the onion and garlic. Then, add the tomato, peeled of seeds and roughly chopped. Allow the vegetables to combine, letting them cook down for a few minutes.

Step four – finishing the soup

Once the root vegetables are half-cooked, add the potatoes, cut into cubes. Make sure they are of a pink variety, which cooks well and does not break easily. Let them boil together with the other vegetables for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and let them dry.

Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the soup, and for the final boil, add the broccoli. Cook everything over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Finally, sprinkle with chopped parsley and remove the pot from the heat.

Step five – resting the soup

Now comes a step that many skip: let the soup rest for 10 minutes, covered, before serving. This time allows the flavors to develop and blend perfectly.

Serving suggestions

Vegetable soup with broccoli can be served warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness. For an even more intense flavor, I recommend adding some crunchy toasted bread croutons or a drizzle of olive oil on top.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Vegetable soup is very versatile. You can add zucchini, eggplant, or even green beans, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the soup heartier?
For a heartier soup, you can add a cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas. These will not only add texture but also protein.

3. Is the vegetable soup with broccoli suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for vegans and vegetarians, being an excellent option for a fasting meal.

Nutritional benefits

Vegetable soup with broccoli is rich in vitamins and minerals. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, K, folic acid, and fiber, contributing to immune system health and digestion. Additionally, the vegetables used in this recipe offer a wide range of antioxidants, helping to combat inflammation and chronic diseases.

Personalized variant

To give your soup a twist, you can try adding different spices, such as smoked paprika, curry, or even grated ginger for an exotic taste. You can also add a splash of plant-based cream or yogurt for extra creaminess.

Therefore, preparing this vegetable soup with broccoli will not only enrich your culinary repertoire but will also bring a health boost to your plate. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy every spoonful!

 Ingredients: 1 medium broccoli piece, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, 1 tomato, 2 medium onions, 4 medium pink potatoes, 4 carrots, 2 parsley roots, 1/4 celery, 4 garlic cloves, sunflower oil for sautéing, salt, pepper, thyme, 1 bunch of parsley leaves.

 Tags:  vegetable soup with broccoli soup vegetables broccoli fasting recipes