Healing Vegetable Soup

 

🥕🍲 Healing Vegetable Soup: A Nutritious, Comforting Bowl of Goodness 🌿🍅

👉Ingredients:

❤️For the Soup:

🔸️1 onion, chopped

🔸️2 tablespoons olive oil

🔸️2 leeks, chopped (white and light green parts only)

🔸️2 stalks of celery, chopped

🔸️1 carrot, diced

🔸️1 red bell pepper, diced

🔸️1 zucchini, diced

🔸️2 potatoes, diced

🔸️2 garlic cloves, minced

🔸️1 chili pepper, minced (optional, for spice)

🔸️6 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

🔸️1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)

🔸️1 teaspoon dried thyme

🔸️1 teaspoon dried oregano

🔸️1 bay leaf

🔸️Salt and pepper, to taste

🔸️Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

👉 Instructions:

↪️Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

🔹️Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

🔹️Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

🔹️Stir in the leeks, celery, carrot, red bell pepper, zucchini, and potatoes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

↪️Step 2: Add the Aromatics

◾️Add the minced garlic and chili pepper (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

↪️Step 3: Simmer the Soup

🔹️Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice).

🔹️Add the dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

🔹️Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

↪️Step 4: Season and Serve

🔹️Remove the bay leaf and discard.

🔹️Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

🔹️Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

🔹️Serve hot and enjoy!

🌟 Tips for the Best Healing Vegetable Soup

✅ Use Fresh Vegetables – They provide the best flavor and nutrition.

✅ Customize the Veggies – Add spinach, kale, or green beans for extra greens, or swap potatoes for sweet potatoes.

✅ Make It Heartier – Add cooked beans, lentils, or quinoa for extra protein and texture.

✅ Store and Reheat – Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.

✅ Add Fresh Herbs – Stir in fresh basil, dill, or cilantro just before serving for a burst of flavor.

👉 Serving Suggestions

● With Crusty Bread – Serve with a slice of whole-grain bread for dipping.

● As a Light Meal – Enjoy on its own or with a side salad.

● For Meal Prep – Portion into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.