– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 1 medium celery stalk, chopped
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 zucchini, chopped
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup cauliflower florets
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Making Creamy Vegetable Soup is easy when you follow these simple steps:
1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
2. Add Hardy Vegetables: Stir in the carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
3. Incorporate Remaining Veggies: Add the bell pepper, zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all veggies are tender.
5. Blend for Creaminess: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend just half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
6. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and add thyme, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Heat the soup for another 5-10 minutes without boiling.
7. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
By following these simple instructions, you’ll create an incredible Creamy Vegetable Soup that will have everyone coming back for seconds.