Introduction:
As a child in a home where I heard garlic and onions cooking in olive oil every day, I was taught to enjoy the simple and strong flavors these vegetables provide to a dish. This is one recipe that I love to make everyday, a hearty vegetable soup, for calming the soul and warming the spirit.
This is a recipe that we’ve used for generations in my family, from our Italian heritage. This soup has the flavors of garlic, onion, carrots, and celery as the foundation and is a rich and nourishing soup with all the flavors of them converged in a harmonious mixture. This recipe is special because you can use any vegetable you want and substitute a protein of your choice to have a complete meal.
This soup is my favourite to make when I am craving something comforting on a rainy day. It’s good for a get-together with the friends or a cozy evening around the fire. Now let’s find out about this quick but good recipe.
Recipe Overview:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Material: Large pot, board, knife.
- Prep tips: The soup is ready to be made ahead and can be stored for 3 days in the refrigerator. It also freezes nicely for extended storage.
Key Ingredients:
- 2 Tbs olive oil, split: Olive oil has an intense flavor in the soup and gives the vegetables a deep caramelization. Good quality extra virgin olive oil is best used for this.
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped: Garlic adds a bitter taste and aroma to the soup which enhances the taste.
- 1 sweet onion, chopped: Sweet onions bring sweetness to the soup, countering the savory taste of the rest of the ingredients.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: Carrots add a natural sweetness and rich color to the soup. Cut them in pieces to ensure even cooking.
- 1 rib celery, chopped: Celery lends the soup a wonderful crunch and earthiness. Don’t throw out the leaves — chop them and use them for flavour.
Easy ways to source: Always buy seasonal and local produce to cut costs. You can also purchase these ingredients in bulk and store them for later.
Recipe Tips & Techniques:
- Place 1 tsp of olive oil in a large pot on medium-high heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Crush the onion, carrots, and celery into the pot. Stir in the vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
- Pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and top with additional vegetables or protein.
- : Cover the vegetables with water or vegetable broth and simmer. Keep the soup on the stove for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are all soft.
- : Salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like. Serve warm with some crusty bread or Parmesan cheese.
Serving & Presentation:
To serve rustically, serve the soup in bowls with a touch of olive oil and fresh herbs. Serve with some crusty bread for dipping. Try it with a refreshing white wine or warm cup of herbal tea.
Cultural Context:
Vegetable soup is one of those meals that can be found in Italian restaurants regardless of the region. Other versions add in pasta or beans for extra bulk, others rely on the plain goodness of raw vegetables. This recipe remains traditional with garlic, onion, carrots, and celery for a warming and hearty meal.
Nutrition & Health:
This vegetable soup is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and therefore a nutritious addition to a healthy diet. This mix of vegetables gives you a number of antioxidants and nutrients that are helpful to health and wellbeing. Ideal for vegetarians and vegans as well who want to have something healthy and tasty.
Conclusion:
I hope you will love to prepare this vegetable soup as much as me. You can experiment with the ingredients and tailor it. If you are hosting guests or just need a hearty bowl of warmth and comfort, this dish will surely not disappoint. Let me know what you think, and how it was for you in the comments below, and stay tuned for more delicious recipes from Seasoned Whispers. Bon appétit!