Soupe Aux Legumes
A hearty vegetable soup bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, perfect for nourishing meals. Its combination of tender vegetables, greens, and tomatoes creates a comforting dish suitable for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters alike. Serve with pesto and warm French bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- olive oil ⓘ
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, finely sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium turnips, shredded ⓘ
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup diced green beans
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup vermicelli, broken into small pieces ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup peas (optional) ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped spinach leaves ⓘ
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a deep heavy pan and add the sliced onions, carrots, celery, shredded turnips, and peeled, cubed potatoes.
- Cook the vegetables for a few minutes; then add the diced green beans.
- Cook the vegetables for another 5 to 10 minutes. Add the vegetable stock and broken vermicelli, then season with salt.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add the peas (if using), chopped spinach, chopped tomatoes, and any other greens.
- Continue cooking for another 20 to 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with a dollop of pesto sauce and slices of French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves while simmering the soup. If you don't have vermicelli, small pasta shapes or rice can work as substitutes. Adjust the vegetable quantities based on seasonal availability, making it a versatile recipe throughout the year. This soup can also be enhanced with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup hot, accompanied by a dollop of pesto sauce for added richness. It pairs beautifully with slices of crusty French bread or a fresh Marinated Vegetable Salad (Low-Fat) for a light side. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or even some Mediterranean recipes for a complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water if it has thickened. This will help maintain the soup's texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soupe Aux Legumes contains roughly 518 calories, with 1g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1184mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, adding a bit of stock or water if necessary.
What if I want to add protein to the soup?
If you're looking to add protein, consider incorporating cooked lentils or chickpeas, which complement the soup's flavors well. For a heartier version, shredded chicken or tofu can also be added during the last few minutes of cooking for warmth and texture.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of the soup. Just be sure to chop them into similar sizes for even cooking. Seasonal vegetables can also be included, allowing for a personalized touch to your Soupe Aux Legumes.
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).