Country Soup
A hearty, comforting country-style soup featuring potatoes, carrots, and fresh greens, enriched with cream and subtle herbs for a wholesome, flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine potatoes, carrots, onions, lettuce leaves, celery leaves, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the mixture with cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- Pass the mixture through a food mill, strainer, or puree in a blender.
- Measure the puree; add 1 cup of light cream for every 3 cups of puree.
- Heat the soup thoroughly.
- To serve, top with a small lump of butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced celery or a splash of white wine during the initial cooking phase. If you're looking to lighten the soup, you can substitute half of the light cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor profile. This recipe is flexible; feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables for a personal touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup warm with a dollop of butter on top, which adds a nice richness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch, consider sprinkling some fresh herbs or croutons before serving. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Country Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Soup contains roughly 1590 calories, with 12g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 130g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (151% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! The soup is already vegetarian-friendly since it doesn't include meat. Just ensure that the broth or any added ingredients are also vegetarian. You can enhance the flavor with additional vegetables or vegetable broth for a heartier base.
How can I make this soup creamier?
To make the soup creamier, you can increase the amount of light cream used or blend in some cooked potatoes or white beans for added thickness. Alternatively, adding a splash of half-and-half or crème fraîche just before serving can enhance the creamy texture without overpowering the soup.
What can I serve with Country Soup?
Country Soup pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with crusty sourdough bread or a light salad. For a heartier meal, it goes nicely with sandwiches or a cheese platter. You can also explore other comforting American recipes to complement the soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).