Vegetable Soup with Crispy Bread Pieces
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Vegetable Soup with Crispy Bread Pieces
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day? This Vegetable Soup with Crispy Bread Pieces is a Mediterranean-inspired delight, packed with fresh vegetables and topped with golden, crunchy bread – the perfect combination of flavors and textures. It’s a hearty and healthy meal that’s easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend lunch.
This recipe draws inspiration from Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients. We’ve kept it simple, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through. The addition of crispy bread pieces adds a delightful textural contrast and a satisfying crunch with every spoonful. It’s a fantastic way to use up any vegetables you have on hand, making it a budget-friendly option too!
What makes this Vegetable Soup special?
- Flavorful Broth: The combination of vegetable broth, thyme, and paprika creates a rich and aromatic base.
- Fresh Vegetables: We use a classic mix of carrots, celery, zucchini, and tomatoes, but feel free to add your favorites!
- Crispy Bread Topping: The homemade crispy bread pieces are the star of the show, adding a delightful crunch and a touch of indulgence.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences – add beans for extra protein, or use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
Tips for the Best Vegetable Soup:
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Season generously: Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Get creative with the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different vegetables in this soup?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add any vegetables you like. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, or peas would all be delicious additions.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.
Q: How can I make the bread pieces extra crispy?
A: Make sure the bread cubes are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. You can also broil them for the last minute or two, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing. The bread pieces are best added fresh, though.
Q: What herbs pair well with this soup?
A: Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano would all be excellent garnishes. A drizzle of good quality olive oil adds a lovely finishing touch.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Vegetable Soup with Crispy Bread Pieces – a perfect meal for any time of year!
Vegetable Soup with Crispy Bread Pieces
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 medium zucchini diced
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup spinach or kale chopped (optional)
- 2 cups cubed bread any type
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add carrots, celery, and zucchini, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in spinach or kale, if using, and cook for 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle soup into bowls, top with crispy bread pieces, and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
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