Healing Vegetable Soup with Homemade Herb Croutons

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 leeks, cleaned and finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Additional Vegetables

• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small chili pepper, finely minced (optional)
• 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Fresh parsley, chopped

For the Herb Croutons

• 3 slices bread, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Soup Base (15 minutes)

1. Start with aromatics:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
• Add diced onion, cooking until translucent (5-7 minutes)
• Add leeks and celery, cooking until softened

1. Layer in vegetables:

• Add carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and potatoes
• Stir well to combine
• Season with salt and pepper

Building Flavors (30 minutes)

1. Develop the base:

• Add minced garlic and optional chili
• Stir in fresh thyme
• Cover and let vegetables sweat for 5-7 minutes

1. Create the broth:

• Add vegetable broth
• Bring to a gentle simmer
• Cook for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender

Making Herb Croutons (15 minutes)

1. Prepare bread:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
• Cut bread into small cubes
• Toss with olive oil and seasonings

1. Bake croutons:

• Spread on baking sheet
• Bake 10 minutes until golden
• Stir halfway through

Therapeutic Benefits

1. Digestive Health:

• Gentle on the stomach
• Easy to digest
• Provides essential fiber

1. Immune Support:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
• Contains immune-boosting garlic
• Provides antioxidants

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties:

• Olive oil reduces inflammation
• Herbs provide additional benefits
• Gentle cooking preserves nutrients

Nutritional Information

Per serving (2 cups soup with croutons):

• Calories: 185
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Vitamins A: 80% DV
• Vitamin C: 65% DV

Storage and Reheating

• Store soup in airtight container up to 4 days
• Freeze portions for up to 3 months
• Store croutons separately in dry container
• Reheat gently on stovetop

Serving Suggestions

1. Basic serving:

• Hot soup with fresh croutons
• Sprinkle of fresh parsley
• Drizzle of olive oil

1. Enhanced options:

• Add Greek yogurt dollop
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese
• Serve with lemon wedge

Dietary Modifications

1. Gluten-free:

• Use gluten-free bread for croutons
• Verify broth is gluten-free

1. Low-sodium:

• Reduce salt
• Use low-sodium broth
• Increase herbs for flavor

This healing soup has become my trusted remedy for digestive issues and general wellness. The combination of gentle cooking methods and healing ingredients creates a soup that’s both therapeutic and delicious. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply want a nourishing meal, this soup provides comfort and healing in every spoonful.