Introduction
Roasted vegetable soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or as a way to use up seasonal vegetables. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this soup is both delicious and healthy. With a blend of roasted vegetables and aromatic herbs, it’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Carrots: 2 cups, diced
Bell peppers: 1 cup, chopped
Zucchini: 1 cup, diced
Red onion: 1 cup, chopped
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Vegetable broth: 4 cups
Salt: to taste
Black pepper: to taste
Thyme: 1 teaspoon, dried
Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop your choice of vegetables into uniform pieces. Recommended vegetables include carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and onion.
Step 3: Toss the Vegetables
Place the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Toss until they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Roast the Vegetables
Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Stir halfway through for even roasting.
Step 5: Prepare the Soup Base
While the vegetables are roasting, in a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Step 6: Combine Vegetables and Broth
Once the vegetables are done roasting, add them to the pot with garlic. Pour in vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 7: Blend the Soup
After simmering for about 10 minutes, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs for enhanced flavor.
Step 9: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of cream if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to use any combination of seasonal vegetables to customize the soup to your tastes.
Cook techniques
Roasting vegetables
Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor. It involves cooking them in the oven at high temperatures, which caramelizes the sugars and creates a delicious depth of flavor.
Blending soup
After roasting, blending the ingredients creates a smooth and creamy texture. Using an immersion blender or a traditional blender helps combine the flavors and achieve the desired consistency.
Seasoning
Proper seasoning is essential to enhance the flavor of the soup. Adding herbs, spices, and salt in the right proportions will elevate the dish and bring out the best in the roasted vegetables.
Use of broth
Using vegetable broth or stock instead of water adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup. It contributes to a more savory and satisfying final product.
FAQ
Can I use any vegetables for the soup?
Yes, you can use a variety of vegetables depending on your personal preferences and what you have on hand.
How do I store leftover soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, this soup is inherently vegan if you use vegetable broth and omit any dairy products when blending.
How can I make the soup thicker?
You can make the soup thicker by adding more roasted vegetables or including a thickening agent like potato or a cornstarch slurry.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender for blending, then return it to the pot.
Conclusion
This roasted vegetable soup is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a variety of seasonal vegetables. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it makes for a comforting meal any time of year. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, this soup is sure to impress family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Pair this soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Quinoa Salad
Serve alongside a refreshing quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and herbs for a lighter option.
Crusty Bread
Accompany your soup with a slice of crusty artisan bread for a perfect dunking experience.
Roasted Chickpeas
Top your soup with crunchy roasted chickpeas for added protein and texture.
Herbed Croutons
Add homemade herbed croutons for extra crunch and flavor.
Sautéed Greens
Include a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale to boost the nutritional value of your meal.
Caesar Salad
Serve with a Caesar salad for a classic lunch or dinner combination.
Stuffed Peppers
Try it with stuffed peppers for a hearty and flavorful pairing.
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
Enjoy the soup with cheesy garlic biscuits for a comforting and indulgent meal.