Thick Vegetable Soup
Thick Vegetable Soup Recipe from Malta
Introduction
Thick vegetable soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. Packed with a variety of vegetables and flavorful broth, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
History
Vegetable soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a wide variety of vegetables, making it a popular choice for home cooks looking to use up leftover produce.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 455 g (1 lb) carrots, peeled and sliced
- 850 ml (1.5 pt) vegetable stock
- 425 g (15 oz) can chopped tomatoes
- 30 g (1 oz) cracked wheat
- 230 g (8 oz) courgettes sliced
- salt and pepper
How to prepare
- Soften the onions by cooking them in a pan with heated oil.
- Add the celery and carrots, and cook for five minutes while stirring continuously.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and tomatoes, and mix well.
- Bring the soup to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Then, add the cracked wheat and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Add the courgette and simmer for five to 10 minutes, depending on desired thickness of the soup.
- Season the soup and serve it with fresh bread.
Variations
- Add in some cooked beans or lentils for extra protein.
- Swap out the courgettes for another type of squash or add in some leafy greens like spinach or kale.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to chop your vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or add in some protein like beans or tofu for an extra boost.
- For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup in a blender before adding the courgettes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap out the vegetables in this recipe for whatever you have on hand.
- You can use quinoa or rice instead of cracked wheat for a different texture.
Make Ahead Tips
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the soup with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
This soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 220 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 32g per serving
Fats
Fats: 7g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 5g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This soup is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.
Alergens
This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten.
Summary
This thick vegetable soup is a nutritious and filling meal that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Thick vegetable soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with a variety of vegetables and flavorful broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Thick Vegetable Soup tucked away in an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, with handwritten notes scrawled in the margins. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the rich aroma of the soup simmering on the stove.
I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a young girl watching my own grandmother in the kitchen. She would effortlessly whip up delicious meals using only the ingredients she had on hand, and I was always in awe of her culinary skills. I knew that learning to make this soup would be a challenge, but I was determined to master it.
I set to work gathering the vegetables needed for the soup – carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. I chopped and diced with precision, just as I had seen my grandmother do so many times before. As the vegetables sizzled in the pot, releasing their fragrant scents, I felt a sense of pride wash over me.
The next step was to add the broth – a rich, homemade stock that I had simmered for hours on the stove. The flavors melded together beautifully, creating a hearty base for the soup. I let it simmer for a while longer, stirring occasionally and tasting as I went along. The soup was coming together perfectly, just as I had hoped.
As I ladled the steaming soup into bowls, I couldn't help but think back to all the times I had enjoyed a bowl of Thick Vegetable Soup at my grandmother's table. The memories flooded back – the warmth of her kitchen, the laughter of my family gathered around the table, the comforting feeling of being taken care of.
I took a tentative sip of the soup and was instantly transported back to those days. The flavors were just as I remembered – rich, savory, and bursting with the essence of fresh vegetables. I had done it. I had mastered my grandmother's recipe for Thick Vegetable Soup.
I couldn't wait to share my creation with my own family. As they sat down at the table and took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. They couldn't believe that I had made such a delicious soup from scratch. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully carried on my grandmother's legacy.
From that day on, Thick Vegetable Soup became a staple in our household. It was a dish that brought us together, warmed our hearts, and nourished our souls. Every time I made it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me, passing down their culinary knowledge and love through the simple act of cooking.
As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for Thick Vegetable Soup, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking that has been passed down to me. I am grateful for the memories of my grandmother in the kitchen, for the lessons she taught me, and for the joy that sharing a homemade meal can bring.
I may have learned to make Thick Vegetable Soup from a recipe in a cookbook, but the true recipe for this dish lies in the love and tradition that has been passed down through the generations. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Categories
| Bulgur Recipes | Carrot Recipes | Celery Recipes | Maltese Recipes | Maltese Soups | Onion Recipes | Sunflower Oil Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Vegetable Stock And Broth Recipes | Zucchini Recipes |