Monmouthshire-inspired Hearty Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

While the original Višegradska čorba is a meat-based soup, this Monmouthshire-inspired version focuses on the abundance of vegetables found in the region. The traditional Bosnian spices are replaced with a blend of herbs that are commonly used in Monmouthshire cuisine. Additionally, the cooking technique has been adapted to create a thick and hearty soup, characteristic of Monmouthshire dishes. We alse have the original recipe for Višegradska čorba, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 leeks, sliced 2 leeks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 small cabbage, shredded 1/2 small cabbage, shredded
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 27g, 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced carrots, leeks, and diced potatoes to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. 8.
   Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Make sure to shred the cabbage finely to ensure it cooks evenly and blends well with the other vegetables.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier version, you can add cooked beans or lentils to the soup.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
• Serve the soup with a crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Monmouthshire-inspired vegetable soup hot in bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of each bowl of soup and sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper.