Versatile Veg Soup Recipes

SERIOUSLY GOOD VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• Warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, seasonal vegetables and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
• Add the garlic, curry powder and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring frequently, about 1 minute. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often.
• Pour in the broth and water. Add 1/2 teaspoon more salt, 2 bay leaves and the red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
• Cook for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and add the chopped greens. Continue simmering for 5 minutes or more, until the greens have softened to your liking.
• Remove the pot from heat and remove the bay leaves. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes. (You might need up to ½ teaspoon more salt, depending on your vegetable broth and your personal preferences.) Divide into bowls and enjoy.

CUSTOMIZABLE VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Season with salt and cook, stirring, until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in oregano or thyme and/or tomato paste or Parmesan rind.
• Stir in hard, starchy vegetables and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 5 minutes.
• Stir in quick-cooking vegetables. Return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 5 minutes more.
• Stir in rice and greens. Heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt as desired.
• Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with Parmesan and herbs. Serve with crostini.

VERSATILE VEG SOUP

Steps:

• Fry the vegetables and potatoes in a pan with the oil for a few minutes until beginning to soften.
• Cover with the stock and simmer for 10-15 mins until the veg is tender. Blend until smooth, then season. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche and some fresh herbs. Will freeze for up to one month.

VERSATILE VEG SOUP

Steps:

• Fry the vegetables and potatoes in a pan with the oil for a few minutes until beginning to soften.
• Cover with the stock and simmer for 10-15 mins until the veg is tender. Blend until smooth, then season. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche and some fresh herbs. Will freeze for up to one month.