Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe
This creamy vegetable soup is hearty, comforting, and packed with fresh vegetables, perfect for a cozy day! It is flavored with dill for a refreshing finish and is ideal as a starter or a full meal when served with crusty bread.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 celery stalk, diced
1 small zucchini, diced
1/2 cup frozen or fresh peas
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
4 cups vegetable broth or water
1 cup milk or cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Wash and peel all the vegetables. Dice the carrots, potatoes, celery, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and garlic finely.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and zucchini to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the oil. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to slightly soften the vegetables.
4. Add the Broth:
Pour the vegetable broth or water into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Prepare the Cream Base:
In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the milk or cream until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken.
6. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Stir in the frozen or fresh peas and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the fresh dill and lemon juice to the soup, mixing gently. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
7. Finish and Serve:
Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with extra fresh dill. Pair with warm bread for a wholesome meal.
Tips
For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of milk.
You can blend half the soup for a creamier texture or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
Add other vegetables like green beans or corn for variety.
Enjoy your creamy vegetable soup!
