Absolutely, let’s dive into the vibrant world of a Summer Vegetable Soup! πΏπ₯π This recipe is a celebration of the season’s bounty, a wholesome blend of fresh produce that creates a symphony of flavors. Whether you’re aiming for a light lunch, a hearty snack, or a satisfying dinner, this one-dish meal has you covered. The best part? It’s a breeze to make, taking just about 50 minutes from start to finish, with 30 minutes of cooking time and 20 minutes of prep. Let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Summer Vegetable Soup
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 10
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Onions |
| 1 | Carrot |
| 2 | Celery ribs |
| 2 | Garlic cloves |
| 3 | White potatoes |
| 2 | Tomatoes |
| 4 cups | Low sodium chicken broth |
| 8 | Fresh basil leaves |
| 2 | Bay leaves |
| – | Salt and pepper, to taste |
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This soup is flexible, so feel free to adjust quantities based on what you have!
- Chop the onions, carrot, celery, garlic, potatoes, and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves.
- Have your chicken broth ready. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
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Cooking:
- In a large soup pot, combine the chopped onions, carrot, celery, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, bay leaves, and chicken broth.
- π Tip: If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. It’s equally delicious!
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the vegetables to become tender.
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Finishing Touches:
- After 20 minutes, check the vegetables for doneness. They should be fork-tender but not mushy.
- Stir in the fresh basil leaves. πΏ The aroma will be incredible!
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- If the soup seems too thick for your liking, you can thin it out with a bit more chicken or vegetable broth.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the Summer Vegetable Soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous mix of vegetables and broth.
- π₯ Serve it hot and fresh, perhaps with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- This soup also freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Label and date the containers, and store them in the freezer for a taste of summer on a chilly day.
Recipe Notes:
- Customize Your Soup: One of the joys of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to add in any other summer vegetables you love, such as zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, or even a handful of fresh spinach.
- Make It Heartier: Want to turn this into a heartier meal? Add cooked beans, such as cannellini beans or chickpeas, during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Garnish Ideas: Besides Parmesan cheese, you can garnish your soup with a drizzle of good olive oil, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs.
There you have it! A delightful Summer Vegetable Soup that captures the essence of the season in every spoonful. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a satisfying snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, grab your freshest veggies, a trusty soup pot, and let’s savor the flavors of summer! ππ²
