Creamy Vegetable Soup
Highlighted under: Fresh Wellness Table
I absolutely love making Creamy Vegetable Soup, especially during the colder months. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with a variety of nutritious vegetables. Each spoonful is a delightful balance of creaminess and vibrant flavors that makes me feel good inside. I can easily customize the ingredients based on what's in my fridge, and the whole family enjoys it. Whether served as a starter or a main course, this soup warms the soul and is simply the best way to enjoy veggies on a chilly day.
When I first tried making this Creamy Vegetable Soup, I was amazed at how simple it was to turn everyday ingredients into something so delicious. I experimented with different combinations of vegetables, and it was exciting to see how each one contributed to the overall flavor. Now, I always keep a few staple vegetables on hand, just in case I want to whip up a batch.
A key tip I’ve learned is to sauté the vegetables before adding the broth. This step enhances their natural sweetness and depth, which truly elevates the flavor of the soup. It’s an effortless dish that always impresses, leaving everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Soup
- Creamy texture that comforts the soul
- Packed with vibrant vegetables for a burst of flavor
- Easily customizable to suit your taste
Choosing the Right Vegetables
The beauty of Creamy Vegetable Soup lies in its versatility and the ability to customize it with seasonal or available ingredients. While this recipe lists carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, broccoli, and peas, feel free to swap in other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or even kale. The goal is to ensure that the vegetables you choose will cook through in the given time, so select those that have similar cooking times to achieve a harmonious flavor and texture.
When selecting your vegetables, choose fresh options to enhance the soup's flavor and nutrition. Be mindful of the sizes you cut; uniform pieces will ensure even cooking. For example, if you substitute bell peppers or squash, chop them into similar sizes as the potatoes and carrots to create a visually appealing medley.
Perfecting the Creaminess
The heavy cream is crucial for achieving that rich, creamy texture that characterizes this soup. While some might opt for lighter alternatives, like half-and-half or milk, they could compromise the overall consistency and flavor. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream or cashew cream for a similar creamy mouthfeel while keeping the taste balanced with the vegetables.
To incorporate the cream seamlessly, I recommend letting the soup cool slightly before blending in to avoid splatters from the hot liquid. Remember, blending the soup creates a comforting texture that should feel velvety; if you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some of the cooked vegetables to stir in after blending.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious Creamy Vegetable Soup.
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cups chopped potatoes
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 cup frozen peas
Other Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to adjust the quantities based on your preferences or what's available in your kitchen.
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Creamy Vegetable Soup.
Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Add Broth and Potatoes
Stir in the chopped potatoes and add the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Blend the Soup
Add the broccoli and frozen peas, then cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Add Cream and Season
Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for 2-3 minutes and serve hot.
Enjoy your Creamy Vegetable Soup with crusty bread or a side salad!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables
- kale and spinach are great additions. For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese just before serving.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Creamy Vegetable Soup is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can prepare the soup up to the blending step and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing the soup. However, I suggest omitting the heavy cream before freezing since dairy can separate when thawed. Instead, freeze the blended vegetable base for up to three months and then add the cream when reheating for a freshly made taste.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Vegetable Soup is delightful on its own but can be elevated with various accompaniments. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream can add a tangy contrast to the richness. Additionally, serving it with crusty bread or a side salad can create a well-rounded meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Feel free to garnish your soup with herbs like parsley or thyme for an enticing aroma and a pop of color. If you enjoy texture, consider adding crispy croutons or roasted seeds on top for a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
→ Can I freeze Creamy Vegetable Soup?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
→ What other vegetables work well in this soup?
Zucchini, asparagus, and bell peppers are great options to mix in for more flavor and texture.
Creamy Vegetable Soup
I absolutely love making Creamy Vegetable Soup, especially during the colder months. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with a variety of nutritious vegetables. Each spoonful is a delightful balance of creaminess and vibrant flavors that makes me feel good inside. I can easily customize the ingredients based on what's in my fridge, and the whole family enjoys it. Whether served as a starter or a main course, this soup warms the soul and is simply the best way to enjoy veggies on a chilly day.
Created by: Sabrina Holt
Recipe Type: Fresh Wellness Table
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cups chopped potatoes
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 cup frozen peas
Other Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Stir in the chopped potatoes and add the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Add the broccoli and frozen peas, then cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for 2-3 minutes and serve hot.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables
- kale and spinach are great additions. For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese just before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 6g