There’s nothing quite like a bowl of nourishing vegetable soup to soothe and heal your body. I’ve developed this recipe to create a perfect balance of vegetables, herbs, and aromatics that work together to support digestive health while delivering incredible flavor. This soup has become my go-to remedy for both prevention and recovery.
Why This Soup Heals
The combination of slowly sautéed vegetables, aromatic herbs, and gentle simmering creates a soup that’s not just nourishing but truly therapeutic. Each ingredient has been chosen for both its healing properties and its contribution to the overall flavor profile.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 leeks, cleaned and finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Additional Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small chili pepper, finely minced (optional)
- 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For the Herb Croutons
- 3 slices bread, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Soup Base (15 minutes)
- Start with aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Add diced onion, cooking until translucent (5-7 minutes)
- Add leeks and celery, cooking until softened
- Layer in vegetables:
- Add carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and potatoes
- Stir well to combine
- Season with salt and pepper
Building Flavors (30 minutes)
- Develop the base:
- Add minced garlic and optional chili
- Stir in fresh thyme
- Cover and let vegetables sweat for 5-7 minutes
- Create the broth:
- Add vegetable broth
- Bring to a gentle simmer
- Cook for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender
Making Herb Croutons (15 minutes)
- Prepare bread:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
- Cut bread into small cubes
- Toss with olive oil and seasonings
- Bake croutons:
- Spread on baking sheet
- Bake 10 minutes until golden
- Stir halfway through
Therapeutic Benefits
- Digestive Health:
- Gentle on the stomach
- Easy to digest
- Provides essential fiber
- Immune Support:
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
- Contains immune-boosting garlic
- Provides antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatory Properties:
- Olive oil reduces inflammation
- Herbs provide additional benefits
- Gentle cooking preserves nutrients
Nutritional Information
Per serving (2 cups soup with croutons):
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Vitamins A: 80% DV
- Vitamin C: 65% DV
Storage and Reheating
- Store soup in airtight container up to 4 days
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months
- Store croutons separately in dry container
- Reheat gently on stovetop
Serving Suggestions
- Basic serving:
- Hot soup with fresh croutons
- Sprinkle of fresh parsley
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Enhanced options:
- Add Greek yogurt dollop
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese
- Serve with lemon wedge
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-free:
- Use gluten-free bread for croutons
- Verify broth is gluten-free
- Low-sodium:
- Reduce salt
- Use low-sodium broth
- Increase herbs for flavor
This healing soup has become my trusted remedy for digestive issues and general wellness. The combination of gentle cooking methods and healing ingredients creates a soup that’s both therapeutic and delicious. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply want a nourishing meal, this soup provides comfort and healing in every spoonful.
