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Welcome to Inspired Taste! Today, we’re making a comforting and easy vegetable soup that’s perfect for any time of the year. This soup is packed with nutritious vegetables, full of flavor, and incredibly simple to prepare. With a rich broth and hearty ingredients, it’s a meal that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies and make a big batch for easy meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
- Oil: For sautéing (olive oil or any preferred cooking oil)
- Chopped Vegetables: (Carrots, celery, onions, etc. — as desired)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fennel Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, optional for heat
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (400 g or 14.1 oz)
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (or any preferred stock)
- Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cubed
- Cabbage: 2 cups, chopped
- Bay Leaves: 2
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by heating a generous amount of oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onions, etc.) and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, which adds a deep richness to the broth. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the tomato paste caramelize slightly.
- Add Spices and Herbs:
- Add minced garlic, fennel seeds, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook until the spices become fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, and stir to combine.
- Add the vegetable broth (or your choice of stock) to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add Hearty Vegetables:
- Add the cubed potatoes and chopped cabbage to the pot. Toss in the bay leaves for added flavor.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot with its lid and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Finish with Frozen Peas:
- Once the potatoes are tender, uncover the pot and add the frozen peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through and become tender.
- Final Touches:
- Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated for easy meals later.
Cooking Tips
- Choosing Vegetables: Use any vegetables you have on hand. This recipe is highly adaptable, and you can include a mix of your favorites or whatever you need to use up.
- Tomato Paste: Caramelizing the tomato paste with the vegetables enhances its flavor and adds depth to the soup’s broth.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for heat. If you prefer a milder soup, you can omit them entirely.
- Potato Texture: For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.
Nutritional Benefits
- Vegetables: Provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to overall health and well-being.
- Tomato Paste: Adds antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
- Potatoes: Offer a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and energy-boosting carbohydrates.
- Cabbage: Rich in vitamins K and C, and supports digestion due to its high fiber content.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick meal prep.
- Versatility: You can customize the soup with any vegetables you prefer or have on hand, making it a versatile dish.
- Comforting: The combination of hearty vegetables and a rich broth creates a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with vegetables and low in calories, this soup is a healthy option that supports a balanced diet.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This soup is suitable for vegetarians. Ensure the vegetable broth used is vegan if needed.
- Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Double-check that the vegetable broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of sautéed vegetables, tomato paste, and spices creates a flavorful base that is both rich and satisfying. Adding hearty ingredients like potatoes and cabbage ensures the soup is filling and nutritious. The gradual addition of frozen peas at the end preserves their texture and freshness, making the soup vibrant and well-balanced. The use of bay leaves enhances the overall depth of flavor, resulting in a comforting and delicious soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Conclusion
This Easy Vegetable Soup is a fantastic option for a healthy, quick, and flavorful meal. With its simple preparation and rich, comforting taste, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy making and sharing this soup, and remember that it’s not just about eating but about enjoying the process of cooking and the satisfaction of a well-made dish. Thank you for joining us on Inspired Taste, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!