Creamy Vegetable Soup with Rosemary

Discover the comforting and hearty flavors of **Creamy Vegetable Soup with Rosemary**, a dish that brings together a medley of garden-fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and aromatic rosemary. This comforting soup, traditionally known in the Latvian cuisine as "dārzeņu biezzupa," has its roots in the European tradition of hearty, vegetable-based soups that warm the soul and nourish the body. Originating from Latvia, this dish is adored for its simplicity and versatility, making it a staple during the colder months. Enjoy this wholesome soup accompanied by crispy bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3 carrots
2 potatoes
1/3 of a cauliflower
1 onion
3 cloves of garlic
20 g butter
1.5 liters chicken broth
100 g cream cheese
4 slices of bread

Spices and Oils

15 ml olive oil
1 tsp dried rosemary

Preparation Time

Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Vegetables: Peel the carrots, potatoes, and onion. Break the cauliflower into florets. Chop all vegetables into smaller pieces. Don't worry about uniformity since the soup will be blended later.
Begin Cooking: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots first, as they are the hardest, and saute for a few minutes.
Saute the Vegetables: Gradually add the onion, followed by the cauliflower, and finally the potatoes. Stir occasionally, letting each vegetable cook slightly before adding the next.
Add Garlic and Broth: Once the vegetables are slightly softened, add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for about 30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
Blend the Soup: Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a countertop blender in batches and blend until silky.
Incorporate Creaminess: Return the blended soup to the pot, add the cream cheese, and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
Season to Taste: Add the dried rosemary, and taste for seasoning. Adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.
Prepare Bread: While the soup simmers, brush the bread slices with olive oil and toast them in a skillet or oven until golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crispy bread on the side.

Tips

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and mix it with the rest.
For more flavor, add a dash of nutmeg or cayenne pepper.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Proteins: 8 g
Fats: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g

Variations

Replace cream cheese with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Include additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh rosemary or chopped parsley for a burst of color.
Pair with a green side salad or a glass of white wine for a balanced meal.

Best Places

The Soup Kitchen - Famous for its nutritious soup menu. Location: 45 Queen St, Auckland, New Zealand.
Brotzeit Café - Offers homemade bread with hearty soups. Location: Moreton St, Toowoomba City, Australia.
La Soupe - Known for organic and locally sourced ingredients. Location: 1158 Main St, Cincinnati, USA.
The Stone Soup - Cozy spot with rustic charm. Location: 410 W 26th St, Minneapolis, USA.
Broth Bar - Specializes in artisanal broth-based soups. Location: 915 N Seneca St, Seattle, USA.
Café de Soupes - Offers a variety of vegetarian soups. Location: 6 Rue Quinquarelle, Paris, France.
Soup & Bakery Co. - Combines gourmet soups with fresh pastries. Location: 172 Grafton St, Dublin, Ireland.
The Soup Spoon - Asian-inspired soups with delightful twists. Location: Raffles Boulevard, Singapore.
Sopa Soirée - Offers seasonal soups and live jazz. Location: Gran Via, Madrid, Spain.
Bowl & Spoon - Known for creative flavor combinations. Location: Hebelstraße 40, Berlin, Germany.

Indulge in this delicious and creamy vegetable soup that promises warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful!