Creamy Vegetable Soup: Easy Homemade Recipe
Craving a comforting bowl of creamy vegetable soup? This easy homemade recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients, perfect for a cozy night in. Forget canned soup – this is real food, made with fresh ingredients, and ready in under an hour! Let’s dive in. — Marilyn Miller Scott: Life, Career, And Legacy
Why You'll Love This Creamy Vegetable Soup
- Healthy and Delicious: Loaded with veggies and a touch of creaminess.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps, perfect for beginners.
- Customizable: Adapt the vegetables to your liking.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common ingredients you likely already have.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Potatoes: Pour in vegetable broth and add chopped potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Incorporate the Remaining Vegetables: Add zucchini and frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Blend for Creaminess: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth (be cautious when blending hot liquids!).
- Stir in the Cream: Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect Soup
- Roast the Vegetables: For a deeper flavor, roast the vegetables before adding them to the soup.
- Add Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf can add a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Adjust the Consistency: Add more broth for a thinner soup, or blend in more vegetables for a thicker soup.
- Make it Vegan: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Variations
- Spicy Vegetable Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Cheesy Vegetable Soup: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
- Curried Vegetable Soup: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the sautéed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy vegetable soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a grilled cheese sandwich for a heartier meal. It’s also delicious as a starter before a main course. — Cashew Family Plants: Types & Characteristics
Enjoy!
This creamy vegetable soup recipe is a fantastic way to get your daily dose of vegetables while enjoying a comforting and flavorful meal. It's simple, adaptable, and sure to become a family favorite. Try it tonight! — Malik Washington: His Impact On Maryland