Hearty Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Toasts

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Soup

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the remaining vegetables: Stir in the zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the broth and spices: Pour in the vegetable broth, and add the thyme, basil, oregano, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Add greens (optional): If you’re using spinach or kale, stir them into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking to wilt them.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Toasts

1. Preheat the oven: While the soup is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the bread: Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove for added flavor (optional).
3. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle each slice of bread with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Toast the bread: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Remove from the oven: Once the toasts are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and set aside.

Step 3: Serve the Soup

1. Ladle the soup into bowls: Spoon the hearty vegetable soup into individual bowls, ensuring each serving is filled with a variety of vegetables and broth.
2. Top with Parmesan toasts: Place one or two Parmesan toasts on top of each bowl of soup. You can also break them into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the soup for added crunch.
3. Garnish and serve: Garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Success:

• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand or prefer, such as peas, corn, or butternut squash. This soup is highly versatile!
• Make it Heartier: For a heartier version, you can add pasta (small shells or orzo), or even beans like cannellini or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
• Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade vegetable broth to give your soup an even richer flavor.
• Parmesan Substitutes: If you prefer, you can substitute vegan cheese for the Parmesan to make this soup vegan-friendly.
• Add a Touch of Cream: For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for added richness.

Why This Hearty Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Toasts is Perfect:

• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables, this soup provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy and filling meal.
• Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of warm, hearty soup and crispy Parmesan toasts is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor. It’s the ideal meal for any time of year but especially comforting in the colder months.
• Easy to Make: With simple, everyday ingredients, this soup is quick to prepare and can be made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the soup to your liking, adding in different vegetables or even incorporating grains like quinoa or barley for a more filling meal.

Conclusion:

Hearty Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Toasts is a warming, flavorful dish that brings comfort and nutrition to the table. Whether you’re looking to make a quick dinner or meal prep for the week, this soup is sure to please. With its vibrant, veggie-filled broth and crispy Parmesan toasts, this meal is a perfect combination of health and indulgence. Try it out and savor the heartwarming goodness with every bite!