A Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Hearty And Flavorful Vegetable Soup

A Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Hearty and Flavorful Vegetable Soup

Table of Contents

For the Soup:

Vegetables:
- - 2 onions
- - 1 carrot
  - 3 potatoes
  - 1 red pepper
- - 2 tomatoes
  - 2 garlic cloves
  - Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Seasoning:
- - Salt
  - Black pepper
- Basil
Other:
- - Sunflower oil
- Noodles
Optional Additions:
- - Your favorite leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Cooked chicken or lentils (for added protein)

For the Garnish (Optional):

1. Sautéing the First Round: Begin by heating sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
2. Adding the Heartier Vegetables: Add the chopped carrot and potatoes to the pot with the softened onion. Season with salt and cover the vegetables with water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Preparing the Second Round of Vegetables: While the first pot simmers, heat another pan with sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the second chopped onion and cook until softened.

1. Roasting the Veggies: Add the chopped red pepper and tomatoes to the pan with the softened onion. To easily peel the tomatoes, make an X on the bottom of each tomato before adding them to the pan. Fill the pan with a small amount of hot water and let the tomatoes rest for 1-2 minutes. This loosens the skins for easier peeling. Peel the tomatoes and chop them before adding them back to the pan.
2. Flavor Boost: Add the minced garlic cloves to the pan and cook the vegetables for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper (paprika), and basil. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
3. Soup Symphony: Once the first pot of vegetables is cooked, add the roasted vegetables from the second pan to the pot. This creates a wonderful depth of flavor in the soup.

1. Noodle Time: Bring the soup to a simmer and add your desired noodles. Cook according to package instructions, or until the noodles are al dente.
2. Fresh Touch: Once cooked through, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch.
3. Optional Garlicky Garnish: If desired, prepare a garlicky garnish by melting butter in a small pan. Add the minced garlic and rosemary and cook for a minute or two, until fragrant. Drizzle this flavorful oil over individual bowls of soup before serving. Top with grated hard cheese and enjoy with crusty baguette bread for dipping.