Cook the chopped vegetables in a pot with olive oil on medium heat. Put the diced onion in the pan and cook until it becomes clear. Next, put the leeks and celery in the pot and cook them until they begin to get soft.
Get the vegetables ready. Add the chopped carrot, red pepper, zucchini, and potatoes. Stir thoroughly to mix all the vegetables together.
Season and simmer: Put the chopped garlic, chili pepper (if you have it), salt, pepper, and thyme in the pot. Mix everything well. Put a lid on the pot and let the vegetables cook gently for 5-7 minutes to bring out their flavors.
Add broth to the soup and let it simmer: Pour the vegetable broth into the soup and heat until it starts to gently boil. Lower the temperature and let it cook gently for around 15 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
Make the Croutons: While the soup is cooking, heat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut the pieces of bread into small squares to make croutons. Put them on a baking sheet and sprinkle some olive oil on top. Add salt, dried garlic, red pepper, and oregano on top. Spread the mixture evenly. Cook the croutons in the oven that has been heated beforehand for around 10 minutes, or until they turn golden and crunchy.
Finish and serve the soup by taking it off the heat and mixing in the chopped parsley. Put the hot soup in bowls and add some croutons on top of each serving.
Ways to serve food:
Serve this filling vegetable soup with some crunchy bread or a crisp salad for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top of each serving to make it creamier and tastier.
Tips for Cooking:
You can add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the soup to make it taste just the way you like it.
To make a thicker soup, you can mix some of the cooked vegetables before putting in the broth.
Health Benefits:
This vegetable soup is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber from a variety of vegetables, which help improve health and wellness.
Crunchy croutons made from whole grain bread give you energy and help you feel full.
Olive oil provides healthy fats for the heart, and fresh herbs like parsley add antioxidants and taste to the food.
Information about what you eat:
This recipe is good for vegetarians and can be made vegan by using vegetable broth and not adding the chili pepper if you prefer.
If you are sensitive to gluten, use bread without gluten to make the croutons.
Why You Will Enjoy This Recipe:
This delicious vegetable soup with homemade croutons is a comforting and nutritious dish that is great for any time. If you want to feel cozy on a cold day or just want a tasty and healthy meal, this recipe is perfect for you. With its delicious tastes, filling textures, and crispy homemade croutons, this dish will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Get your ingredients together and prepare to enjoy a bowl of healthy food!
Final thoughts:
In summary, this delicious Vegetable Soup with Homemade Croutons is not just a dish - it's a comforting and nourishing meal that will surely make you feel satisfied both physically and emotionally. This dish is full of bright colors, delicious flavors, and healthy ingredients that make every bite a delight. Whether you have it on a chilly winter evening or for a quick lunch on a sunny day, this soup will surely become a favorite in your cooking routine. Therefore, invite your family and friends, serve some soup, and enjoy the small joys of a meal made at home. ¡Que disfrutes tu comida!