Healing Vegetable Soup with Broccoli Parmesan Croutons

This nourishing vegetable soup is packed with fresh vegetables, savory mushrooms, and vibrant herbs that make it both comforting and incredibly healthy. Topped with crispy broccoli parmesan croutons, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a complete meal that’s satisfying enough to enjoy every day. Light yet filling, it’s the perfect choice for anyone seeking wholesome, flavorful comfort food.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 onion, diced (150g / 5.3 oz)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 celery stalks, chopped (150g / 5.3 oz)
• 2 carrots, sliced (200g / 7 oz)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (150g / 5.3 oz)
• 2 potatoes, cubed (300g / 10.6 oz)
• 1.5 liters / 6 cups water or vegetable broth
• 150g / 5.3 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets (300g / 10.6 oz)
• 1 teaspoon Khmeli-Suneli spice blend (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

For the Broccoli Croutons:

• Half of the cooked broccoli from soup
• 3 slices bread
• 50g / 1.8 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or sour cream (15g / 0.5 oz)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

Start the Soup Base

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

Add Root Vegetables

Add chopped celery and sliced carrots to the pot. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Build the Soup

Add diced red bell pepper and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine all vegetables. Pour in water or vegetable broth, cover the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Mushrooms

While the soup simmers, heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Season the Mushrooms

Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Khmeli-Suneli spice blend to the mushrooms. Sauté for another 2 minutes until aromatic and golden. Transfer the seasoned mushrooms to the soup pot.

Cook the Broccoli

Add half of the broccoli florets to the soup and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a small pot of water to a boil and cook the remaining broccoli florets for 2 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside for the croutons.

Prepare Broccoli Crouton Topping

In a bowl, coarsely grate or mash the cooked broccoli that was set aside. Mix with grated Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Make the Croutons

Spread the broccoli-Parmesan mixture generously on bread slices. Place on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F for 10 minutes until golden and crispy.

Finish the Soup

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with additional fresh parsley and serve alongside the warm broccoli Parmesan croutons.

Time and Serving

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6 bowls

Nutrition Per Serving: Calories: 195 | Protein: 8g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 6g

Why This Recipe Works

This vegetable soup delivers maximum nutrition with minimal calories, making it ideal for daily consumption without feeling heavy. The variety of vegetables provides a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. Sautéing the vegetables separately in stages develops deeper flavors through caramelization, while the mushrooms add an earthy, umami-rich element. The broccoli is added in two stages to maintain texture, some becoming tender in the soup while the reserved portion creates unique croutons. These broccoli-Parmesan croutons are a creative way to add protein and calcium while providing a satisfying crunch that complements the soup’s smooth texture. The soup is naturally low in fat and high in fiber, promoting digestive health and sustained energy throughout the day.