Craving a bowl of warm, comforting vegetable soup but short on time? This simplified recipe delivers all the flavor without the fuss. Plus, we’ll elevate your soup game with homemade aromatic croutons that are ridiculously easy to make and add a delightful crunch. Get ready for a hearty and healthy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
A Quick & Easy Home Vegetable Soup
Let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of making soup from scratch feels daunting. But this recipe breaks it down into manageable steps, using readily available ingredients. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can whip up a delicious and nutritious soup that’s far superior to anything you’d find in a can.
Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
Forget lengthy ingredient lists! We’re focusing on the essentials to create a flavorful base for your soup. You can easily customize this recipe with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce food waste too!
- Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth forms the foundation of our soup.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatic staples add depth and complexity.
- Carrots & Celery: Classic soup vegetables that provide sweetness and texture.
- Potatoes: For heartiness and a slightly creamy consistency.
- Frozen Vegetables: Corn, peas, green beans โ a convenient way to add extra nutrients.
- Herbs & Spices: Salt, pepper, bay leaf, and your favorite dried herbs.
Step-by-Step Soup Assembly
Here’s how to bring it all together! The key is to layer the flavors and cook the vegetables until they’re tender and delicious.
- Sautรฉ the Aromatics: In a large pot, sautรฉ diced onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add the Hard Vegetables: Stir in diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in the Broth: Add vegetable or chicken broth and a bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Frozen Vegetables & Seasoning: Stir in frozen vegetables and season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs to taste. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
- Remove Bay Leaf: Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!
Aromatic Croutons: The Perfect Soup Companion
These aren’t your average croutons! Infused with herbs and garlic, they add a burst of flavor and satisfying crunch to every spoonful of soup. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make.
Simple Crouton Ingredients
You probably already have everything you need to make these amazing croutons. Leftover bread works great!
- Bread: Stale bread (such as French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread) cut into cubes.
- Olive Oil: For richness and crispness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic for that signature aromatic flavor.
- Herbs: Dried Italian herbs, dried rosemary, or your favorite herb blend.
- Salt & Pepper: To season.
Baking Your Aromatic Croutons
The oven does most of the work here! Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Toss Ingredients: In a bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Cool: Let the croutons cool slightly before serving.
Soup & Croutons: A Winning Combination
This simple vegetable soup recipe, paired with homemade aromatic croutons, is a winning combination that’s sure to satisfy. It’s healthy, customizable, and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Wrapping Up: Your New Go-To Soup Recipe
There you have it โ a simplified method for making delicious home vegetable soup with aromatic croutons. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a comforting and nutritious meal without requiring hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a warm bowl of homemade goodness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and herbs to make it your own unique creation. Happy soup-making!
