Hearty Vegetable and Cheesy Soup Recipe

This delightful vegetable and cheesy soup is a fulfilling meal that combines the fresh taste of vegetables with the creamy goodness of cheese. Made with ingredients like cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, and enriched with flavorful cheese, it is a perfect choice for a heartwarming lunch or dinner. The recipe includes a homemade chicken broth, adding depth and richness to the soup. This dish is not only economical but also a great way to make use of seasonal vegetables. With a straightforward preparation process, it's ideal for those cozy nights when you're looking for something comforting yet quick to prepare. The combination of spices like bay leaves, black pepper, and just the right amount of salt enhances the overall flavor, making it a truly satisfying meal. Whether you're enjoying it as a standalone dish or pairing it with fresh bread or a salad, this soup is bound to become a family favorite. Don't miss out on this nutritious and delicious experience that caters to both your palate and pocket. To add variety, explore different toppings or cheese options to suit your personal taste. Bon appétit!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 small fresh cabbage head
• 1 small cauliflower
• 5 potatoes
• 1 large carrot
• 1/2 onion

Broth

• 1 package of chicken soup mix (available at SuperNetto) or chicken backbones
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Additional

• Dzintars processed cheese

Preparation Time

• Total: 30 minutes (including preparation and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken soup mix or chicken backbones to a boil with enough water to cover. Add salt, bay leaves, and whole black pepper to infuse the broth with flavor.
2. Chop the Vegetables: While the broth is boiling, chop the potatoes, onion, and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Grate the carrot.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a frying pan, heat a little oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the grated carrot and continue to cook until they are slightly softened.
4. Remove the Chicken: Once the chicken backbones are fully cooked, remove them from the pot. If desired, scrape off any meat to add back into the soup.
5. Add Vegetables to Broth: Introduce the chopped potatoes, cauliflower, sautéed onions and carrots into the pot of broth.
6. Season to Taste: Add more salt and black pepper to the pot, adjusting to your preference.
7. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer until the vegetables are tender, typically around 10 minutes.
8. Incorporate the Cheese: Add the Dzintars processed cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the broth, making it creamy and luscious.
9. Finish Cooking: Let the soup cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. Chicken Meat (Optional): If you opted to scrape off the chicken meat, add it back into the pot now for extra protein.

Tips

• Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Use sharp or aged cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
• Ensure cheese is fully melted for a smooth texture.

Nutritions

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Protein: 9g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbs: 28g

Variations

• Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.
• For a hearty version, consider adding small pasta shapes or barley.
• Vegan option: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast.
• Pair with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top for creaminess.

Best Places

• Le Bernardin - Elegant French seafood dining with a sophisticated vegetable soup selection. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, USA.
• Blue Hill - Celebrated farm-to-table fare with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. Location: 75 Washington Pl, New York, USA.
• Gaggan Anand - Innovative Indian cuisine featuring fusion vegetable dishes in Bangkok. Location: 68/1 Sukhumvit 31 Rd, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Osteria Francescana - World-renowned Italian fare with creative vegetable presentations. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.
• Noma - Known for reinventing Nordic cuisine with local and foraged ingredients. Location: Refshalevej 96, Copenhagen, Denmark.
• El Celler de Can Roca - Family-run restaurant celebrated for its modern Catalan cuisine. Location: Can Sunyer, 48, Girona, Spain.
• Alinea - Pioneering American cuisine with a strong emphasis on theatrics in presentations. Location: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, USA.
• Mugaritz - Exciting dining experience combining science and culinary art. Location: Aldura Aldea, 20, Errenteria, Spain.
• The French Laundry - Iconic Napa Valley restaurant offering exquisite tasting menus. Location: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, USA.
• Maido - Top Lima restaurant known for its inventive Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) dishes. Location: Calle San Martin 399, Miraflores, Peru.