Italian Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

While the original Hungarian Zöldségleves is a traditional vegetable soup with Hungarian spices and flavors, the Italian adaptation brings a Mediterranean twist to the dish. The Italian Vegetable Soup incorporates Italian herbs and uses a vegetable broth as the base, giving it a distinct Italian flavor profile. Additionally, the Italian version may include ingredients like tomatoes and bell peppers, which are commonly used in Italian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Zöldségleves, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 zucchini, diced 2 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Italian Vegetable Soup hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchini — Make sure not to overcook the zucchini to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier soup, you can add cooked pasta or beans.
• Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
• Serve the soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making a larger batch for leftovers.

Serving advice

Serve the Italian Vegetable Soup in warm bowls with a crusty Italian bread on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of the soup and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley. Serve the soup in colorful ceramic bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables.