Delicious Vegetable Soup with Homemade Croutons

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Delicious Vegetable Soup with Homemade Croutons: A Comforting Classic

Introduction

This Delicious Vegetable Soup with Homemade Croutons is the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and comfort. Loaded with vibrant vegetables and topped with golden, crispy croutons, it’s a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this soup is sure to be a family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped

For the Homemade Croutons:

  • 4 slices of crusty bread, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Tips

  1. Use Fresh Vegetables: The fresher the veggies, the more vibrant the flavors.
  2. Customize the Soup: Add your favorite vegetables or legumes like green beans, peas, or chickpeas.
  3. Make Croutons Crispy: Bake the bread cubes in a single layer for even crispness.
  4. Season to Taste: Adjust spices and herbs to your liking.
  5. Double the Batch: Both the soup and croutons store well, making them great for meal prep.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Soup

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (2-3 minutes).
  2. Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  5. Add the spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir well.

Step 2: Make the Croutons

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 3: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a handful of homemade croutons.
  2. Garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Description

This Delicious Vegetable Soup with Homemade Croutons combines the heartiness of fresh vegetables with the crunch of perfectly seasoned croutons. It’s a warm, nourishing dish that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Perfect for cozy evenings or as a starter for any meal, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 180 (soup), 60 (croutons)
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, this soup is naturally vegan! Just ensure your bread and seasonings for the croutons are vegan-friendly.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep croutons in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

3. Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! Freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat.

4. Can I use store-bought croutons?
Yes, but homemade croutons provide fresher flavor and texture.

5. What other spices can I use?
Try adding curry powder, Italian seasoning, or chili flakes for a twist.

Recommendations

  1. Serve with Sides: Pair with a side salad or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.
  2. Make it Creamy: Blend half of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamy texture while keeping some chunks.
  3. Use Stale Bread: Homemade croutons are an excellent way to repurpose stale bread.

Conclusion

This Delicious Vegetable Soup with Homemade Croutons is a warm, hearty, and versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. With vibrant flavors and a satisfying crunch, it’s the perfect addition to your recipe collection. Whether for a quick meal or an elegant starter, this soup always delivers!

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