When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of hearty vegetable soup paired with crispy ricotta-topped bread. This comforting dish combines the richness of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs with the satisfying crunch of toasted bread, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner.Greenku Recipes
🥣 Hearty Vegetable Soup: A Nutritious Delight
This vegetable soup is packed with a variety of fresh ingredients, ensuring a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 sticks of celery, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 50 grams of pasta (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Vegetable stock (enough to cover the vegetables)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)Greenku Recipes+4All easy recipes+4Facebook+4Best Recipes+3Facebook+3All easy recipes+3Del’s cooking twist+3Greenku Recipes+3Best Recipes+3
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to the pot. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Incorporate Potatoes and Stock: Add the chopped potatoes to the pot, followed by the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Pasta: If using pasta, add it to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Final Touches: Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
🍞 Crispy Ricotta-Topped Bread: The Perfect Accompaniment
This crispy bread, topped with a flavorful ricotta spread, complements the soup beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 3 slices of bread (preferably rustic or sourdough)
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and dried oregano to taste
- 1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons of olive oilmakebetterfood.com+1Best Recipes+1Best Recipes+1All easy recipes+1Best Recipes+2All easy recipes+2Greenku Recipes+2
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and dried oregano.
- Bake the Bread: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Ricotta Spread: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill (if using), chopped onion, and olive oil. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Assemble: Once the bread slices are toasted, spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each slice. Return the bread to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the ricotta topping.
- Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and serve immediately alongside the hearty vegetable soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve the hearty vegetable soup hot, accompanied by the crispy ricotta-topped bread. Consider adding a side salad of mixed greens for added freshness and crunch. This combination offers a balanced and satisfying lunch or dinner option.Greenku Recipes
🧠 Nutritional Benefits
This meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Rich in Vegetables: The soup includes a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, and potatoes, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- High in Fiber: The inclusion of potatoes and optional pasta adds fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.
- Protein from Ricotta: The ricotta cheese topping adds a source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Herbs and Spices: The use of fresh parsley, garlic, and oregano not only enhances flavor but also offers antioxidant properties.
This hearty vegetable soup with crispy ricotta-topped bread is a wholesome and delicious meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Its combination of flavors and textures is sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide comfort on a chilly day.