Description
Cream of Vegetable Soup is a comforting classic that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a starter for dinner, or a warm treat on a cold day, this recipe has you covered. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and toppings, and enjoy a bowl of delicious, homemade comfort!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
Broth and Cream:
- 4 cups (1L) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Croutons or toasted bread
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add Remaining Vegetables:
- Stir in the potato, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini. Cook for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the broth, then add the thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the Soup:
- Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or blend in batches in a regular blender. For a chunkier soup, blend only part of the mixture.
- Add the Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reheat gently over low heat if needed, but do not boil.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, croutons, or Parmesan cheese as desired.
Notes
- Use any combination of vegetables you like, such as spinach, peas, or bell peppers.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.