Creamy Vegetable Soup 3

Imagine a cozy evening where the warmth of creamy vegetable soup wraps around you like a favorite blanket. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity, inviting seasonal vegetables to join in a harmonious blend. You’ll find that this recipe not only nourishes the body but also sparks conversations around the dinner table. What makes it so adaptable? The answer lies in the ingredients you choose, and it might just surprise you how simple substitutions can elevate this classic to new heights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s both delicious and adaptable, this creamy vegetable soup is a perfect choice.

You’ll love its versatility, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s a hearty option for vegetarians and can easily be made vegan by omitting dairy.

This soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports your health, packed with fiber, plant protein, and essential vitamins. It’s completely plant-based with a key ingredient for creaminess, making it suitable for everyone.

The preparation is simple and quick, all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s suitable for various dietary needs, being vegan and gluten-free.

You can enjoy it year-round, and it even freezes well, ensuring you have a comforting meal ready whenever you want.

History

Soup has a rich history that stretches back to ancient times, showcasing humanity’s instinct to combine ingredients for nourishment.

You’ll find that early soups were simple mixtures of grains, plants, and meat, cooked in a pot. As time progressed, cultures around the world added their own twists. The Roman Empire contributed recipes like Gazpacho, while the fall of Constantinople in 1454 brought Central Asian influences to European soups.

In the 7th century, the Chinese created wontons, enhancing soup’s diversity. In medieval times, sops—liquid dishes served with bread—were popular.

Fast forward to today, and you see creamy vegetable soups made with various bases, reflecting centuries of culinary evolution, local ingredients, and personal preference. In Sevierville, TN, the influence of Dolly Parton has also inspired unique local recipes, including comforting soups enjoyed by families.

Recipe

Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Creamy vegetable soup is a comforting and versatile dish perfect for any season. With a medley of fresh vegetables and a rich, creamy texture, this soup isn’t only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a popular choice for using leftover vegetables to create a satisfying meal.

Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover vegetables or simply want a warm bowl of goodness, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

To make this soup, start with a flavorful base of sautéed mirepoix, which consists of carrots, celery, and onion. This is then complemented by the addition of tender potatoes and an array of vibrant vegetables. The soup is finished off with a creamy roux, creating a luscious consistency that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 cups baby gold or red potatoes, diced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened and fragrant.
2. Add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the vegetable or chicken stock. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in the broccoli, corn, and zucchini, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour with the heavy cream or whole milk to create a smooth roux. Gradually whisk this mixture into the soup, stirring well to avoid lumps. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
5. Season the soup with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

For those who might be experimenting with this recipe, consider incorporating different vegetables or spices to create your unique flavor profile.

You can also make it vegan by substituting dairy with cashew cream and using vegetable broth. Feel free to add in proteins like chickpeas or lentils for a heartier meal.

Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go along to guarantee the best flavor!

Final Thoughts

Creating a delightful creamy vegetable soup brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This soup not only tastes great but also packs a nutritional punch, with around 146 calories per cup. Additionally, it provides a source of essential nutrients like calcium and iron, which are beneficial for overall health.

You can customize the recipe by choosing your favorite vegetables—carrots, potatoes, peas, and mushrooms work well. Whether you prefer a smooth or chunky texture, blending your soup allows for versatility.

Enhance the flavor with herbs like rosemary and thyme, and consider using plant-based milk for creaminess without heavy cream. Serve it with fresh parsley and crusty bread for a perfect pairing.

FAQ

Have questions about making creamy vegetable soup? If your soup’s too thick, simply add more vegetable broth or plant milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered to thicken.

For texture, consider using cornstarch or flour. To enhance flavors, try adding vinegar, lemon juice, or celery salt, and red pepper flakes for some heat. Additionally, using Velveeta cheese can provide a smooth melting texture that enhances the broth’s creaminess.

When storing, cool your soup completely and keep it in an airtight container. It lasts up to four days in the fridge and can be frozen for three months, though freezing may change the texture.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust thickness. Enjoy your soup with crusty bread or a salad!

Creamy Vegetable Soup 3

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Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup carrots diced
• 1 cup celery diced
• 1 cup onion diced
• 2 cups baby gold or red potatoes diced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup corn fresh or frozen
• 1 cup zucchini diced
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cooking Instructions
• In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they're softened and fragrant.
• Add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the vegetable or chicken stock. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
• Stir in the broccoli, corn, and zucchini, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour with the heavy cream or whole milk to create a smooth roux. Gradually whisk this mixture into the soup, stirring well to avoid lumps. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
• Season the soup with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
• For those who might be experimenting with this recipe, consider incorporating different vegetables or spices to create your unique flavor profile.
• You can also make it vegan by substituting dairy with cashew cream and using vegetable broth. Feel free to add in proteins like chickpeas or lentils for a heartier meal.
• Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go along to guarantee the best flavor!