Fresh Garden Vegetable Soup

This delightful vegetable soup brings the essence of a fresh garden to your table, highlighting the vibrant flavors of young seasonal produce. With its combination of tender potatoes, sweet carrots, earthy beets, and crisp peas, this soup is a nourishing and comforting dish. It's perfect for any occasion, whether you're enjoying a light lunch or a cozy dinner. The addition of dill and lovage provides a burst of aromatic freshness, elevating the dish to new heights. The soup is easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days when simplicity and wholesomeness are desired. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream for added richness. The clean and bright flavors also make this soup an excellent choice for serving during gatherings or special occasions. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with rustic bread, this soup is sure to please. Moreover, its colorful presentation will brighten up your dining table, delighting both the eyes and the palate.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 - 3 liters of water
• 1 small cabbage head
• 10 small new potatoes
• 5 - 10 small baby carrots
• 5 new small red beets
• 5 pods of young peas
• 3 tablespoons of rice
• 2.5 cubes of chicken bouillon (or 2.5 - 3 liters of homemade chicken broth)

Spices & Herbs:

• 5 grams of dill
• 5 grams of lovage
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Additional:

• Sour cream for serving

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Boil Water: Start by bringing 2.5 - 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add Bouillon: Dissolve the chicken bouillon cubes in the boiling water. If using homemade chicken broth, you can skip this step.
3. Cook Rice: Stir in the rice and let it cook for about 3 minutes until partially cooked.
4. Prepare Beets: Add the whole small red beets to the pot. If the beets are larger, slice them into rounds before adding.
5. Add Cabbage and Carrots: Cut the cabbage into thin slices and add it to the pot along with whole baby carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes.
6. Add Potatoes and Peas: Depending on their size, either add whole or sliced new potatoes to the pot. Add the peas as well and continue to cook everything for approximately 10 minutes.
7. Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the dill and lovage. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Final Simmer: Allow all the ingredients to simmer together for an additional minute, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with a generous dollop of sour cream on top.
10. Enjoy: Relish the fresh, clean flavors of the garden vegetables and savor the satisfaction of a wholesome, homemade meal.

Tips

• Substitution: If lovage is not available, fresh parsley can be used instead for a different yet delightful flavor.
• Richness: For a creamier soup, add a splash of cream or milk during the final simmer.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegan version of this soup.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fats: 3g

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy some heat.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for varied aroma and taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or baguette to soak up the flavorful broth.
• A light green salad complements the fresh vegetable flavors of the soup.

Best Places

1. Le Vegetable - Known for its innovative plant-based dishes. Location: 15 Rue de la Graine, Paris, France.

2. The Green Spoon - Offers a cozy setting with a focus on seasonal produce. Location: 221 Maple Street, Brooklyn, USA.

3. Soup House - A must-visit for soup enthusiasts with a variety of creative options. Location: 56 Veggie Lane, Toronto, Canada.

4. Borscht Bistro - Famous for its beet-root based soups and hearty meals. Location: 23 Red Square, Moscow, Russia.

5. Garden Feast - Celebrates farm-to-table freshness. Location: 78 Orchard Ave, Melbourne, Australia.

6. Vegetable Oasis - Specializes in vibrant and flavorful soups. Location: 304 Plantation Road, Cape Town, South Africa.

7. Cabbage Comforts - Offers comfort food with a focus on cabbage dishes. Location: 101 Greenbelt Drive, Dublin, Ireland.

8. The Gathering Bowl - Known for communal dining and sharing. Location: 10 Harvest Walk, London, UK.

9. Vegan Vibes - Popular for its plant-based creations. Location: 42 Blossom Way, Wellington, New Zealand.

10. Earth's Bounty - Serves flavorful international soups. Location: 200 Organic Street, Austin, USA.