Delia Smith Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Comforting Bowl of Warmth and Nutrition

This vegetable soup recipe is all about comfort food. It has hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes. Tomato paste, onions, and garlic add depth. It’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients, brought together with a touch of creaminess and the aromatic warmth of fennel seeds, creating a nourishing dish perfect for any meal. This soup is great for a warming lunch or as a starter. It has a blend of flavors and textures. It’s made to satisfy and comfort. It offers a delightful culinary experience. It highlights the joy of home-cooked meals.

Is Vegetable Soup Healthy?

Yes, vegetable soup is very healthy. It’s full of nutrients from the vegetables. Vegetables are low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This makes the soup good for you. It can help you feel full without eating too many calories. This is great for maintaining a healthy weight. Also, you can add different vegetables to get a variety of nutrients. Making soup at home lets you control what goes in. This means less salt and no preservatives. It’s a comforting, tasty way to eat more veggies. Plus, it’s hydrating because it’s made with a lot of water or broth.

How To Make Delia Smith Vegetable Soup Recipe Overview:

Crafted with care, this vegetable soup brings together a wholesome mix of garden-fresh flavors. The combination of onions, carrots, and celery forms a hearty base, enriched by the savory depth of tomato paste and the aromatic blend of garlic and fennel seeds. It’s a comforting and satisfying recipe, taking about 45 minutes from start to finish and serving up to 6 people. Paired with crusty bread for dipping, it becomes a nourishing and heartwarming meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups chopped carrots (4 to 5 carrots)
• 2 cups chopped celery (3 to 4 stalks)
• 1 teaspoon ground fennel seed
• 2 1/2 cups chopped onion (about 1 large and a half)
• 5 teaspoons minced garlic (5 cloves)
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups chopped potato (about 3 medium)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes with their liquid
• 7 cups (1650ml) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups frozen peas
• 4 to 5 heaped cups of chopped or shredded cabbage
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook them until they start to soften, which should take about 5 minutes.
3. Add Flavor: Mix in the tomato paste, garlic, ground fennel seed, black pepper, sea salt, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let them cook together for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Pour in Liquids and Add Bulk: Now, stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, the broth, chopped potatoes, cabbage, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a simmer.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat so the soup can simmer gently. Leave it uncovered and let it cook for about 30 minutes. The veggies should be tender by the end.
6. Final Touches: Add the frozen peas and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes. Then, take the pot off the heat. Remove the bay leaves. If you like, stir in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if it needs it.
7. Serve: Your soup is ready to enjoy. Serve it hot, maybe with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

Calories: Approximately 220

Protein: 6g

Fat: 10g

Carbohydrates: 30g

Fiber: 6g

Sugar: 9g

Sodium: Depending on broth and added salt

Also Read: Delia Smith’s Normandy Pork Recipe

FAQs:

What makes vegetable soup taste better?

To make the vegetable soup taste better, use fresh vegetables. They add more flavor. Saute onions, garlic, and herbs first. This step brings out their aroma. Adding a splash of acidity, like lemon juice or vinegar, can brighten the flavors. Don’t rush the cooking. Slow simmering helps the ingredients blend well. Season well with salt and pepper. Adjust these at the end. A little bit of fat, like olive oil or butter, can make the soup richer. Finally, fresh herbs add a fresh touch before serving.

Can I use mushrooms in this soup?

Yes, you can add mushrooms to this soup. Mushrooms will give it a rich, earthy flavor. Choose your favorite kind, like button or cremini. Chop them up and add them when you cook the onions. This way, they’ll get a nice color and release their flavor into the soup. Mushrooms also add a nice texture. They make the soup feel more hearty and filling. Just remember to wash them well before using them. They’re a great addition to make the soup even more delicious.

How can I make this soup creamier?

To make the soup creamier, try adding some cream or coconut milk at the end. Just a splash will do. You can also blend part of the soup. Use a blender or an immersion blender. Blend until it’s smooth. Then, mix it back into the pot. This thickens the soup. Another option is to add a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream to each bowl when serving. It makes the soup creamy and adds a tangy flavor. Choose what you like best.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to this soup. It’s a great way to use what you have. Try adding spinach, kale, or zucchini. Put them in towards the end. They cook fast. You can also add root vegetables like turnips or parsnips. Put these in earlier, so they get soft. Chopping all vegetables about the same size helps them cook evenly. Adding different vegetables can change the flavor and make the soup more interesting. It’s a good way to experiment.

How do I adjust the soup if it’s too thick?

If your soup is too thick, it’s easy to fix. Just add more broth or water. Start with a little, maybe a half cup. Stir it in well. Then, see if you like the thickness. You can always add more if it’s still too thick. Adding liquid slowly lets you control the soup’s consistency. Remember to taste it after adjusting. You might need to add a bit more salt or pepper. This way, your soup stays flavorful even after thinning it out.

Conclusion:

This hearty vegetable soup, with its comforting and nourishing qualities, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. It’s a versatile recipe that invites personal touches, whether through the addition of mushrooms for a richer flavor or by experimenting with different vegetables and spices. Enjoy this delightful bowl of warmth with your loved ones, and let it remind you of the joys of homemade cooking.