Basic Ingredients
: 1 onion: provides an essential aromatic base.
1 clove of garlic: enhances the flavor and adds a subtle touch.
2 potatoes: to give the soup body and a slightly velvety texture.
2 carrots: for a natural sweetness and a beautiful color.
1 zucchini (or another available vegetable): adaptable depending on what you have in your fridge.
1 liter of water or broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef): gives the dish its depth.
1 tablespoon of olive oil: to sauté the vegetables and intensify the flavors.
Salt and pepper: essential for enhancing the taste.
Herbes de Provence or parsley (optional): for a fragrant finishing touch.
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No worries, this soup is ultra flexible.
Replace the zucchini with leeks, celery, or mushrooms if you’d like a different flavor.
Want a richer soup? Add a dollop of cream or some grated cheese when serving.
For a heartier version, stir in red lentils or rice.
If you’d like a spicier soup, add a pinch of curry, cumin, or paprika.
Vegan version: use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How to Make a Last-Minute Soup (Quick and Delicious) – Step by Step.
You’ve gathered your ingredients, gotten out your pot, and you’re ready to make this quick and delicious soup? Perfect! In this section, we’ll walk you through each step in detail to ensure your soup is a success. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned soup maker, this recipe is accessible to everyone.
Read more on the next page. Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients.
The key to a quick soup is organization. The better prepared your vegetables are, the faster and more even the cooking will be.
Peel and Chop the Vegetables.
Start by peeling and chopping your vegetables into small pieces. Here are some tips to optimize this step:
Onion and garlic: mince them finely so they release all their flavor right from the start of cooking.
Potatoes: cut them into small cubes, about 1 cm, so they cook quickly.
Carrots: slice them thinly or cut them into small cubes. The thinner they are, the faster they will cook.
Zucchini: no need to peel it if it’s organic; the skin adds texture and color. Cut it into half-moons.
Tip: If you’re in a hurry, use pre-cut frozen vegetables. It saves a considerable amount of time without compromising on taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
This step is essential to give your soup character. Sautéing the onion and garlic in a little olive oil releases their aromas and adds depth to your broth.
How to Sauté Herbs Properly?
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and let it sweat for 2 minutes. It should become translucent, but not brown.
Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds to prevent it from burning.
Tip: If you prefer a more intense flavor, add a pinch of salt at the beginning of cooking. This helps draw out the water from the onions and enhances their taste.
Read more on the next page. Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Cook the Soup.
Once the garlic and onion have cooked down well, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients.
Cooking Process:
Add the potatoes, carrots, and zucchini to the pot. Mix well so they absorb the flavors.
Pour the liter of hot water or broth over the vegetables. Broth adds more depth of flavor, but water works just fine too.
Season with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, add a pinch of herbes de Provence or parsley.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
How do you know if the vegetables are cooked?
Insert a knife into a potato or carrot. If it goes in easily, your soup is ready to proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Blend or Chunky?
This is the crucial moment: blend or not? It all depends on your taste and the experience you want to have with this soup.
Option 1: A Velvety Smooth Soup
If you like smooth and homogeneous soups, here’s how to achieve the perfect texture:
Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth.
For even more creaminess, add a tablespoon of crème fraîche or grated cheese before blending.
Option 2: A Rustic Soup with Chunks
If you prefer a heartier soup, leave the vegetable pieces whole.
Stir well and serve immediately to enjoy the contrast in textures.
An intermediate option is to blend only half of the soup, for a mix of smooth and chunky.
Tip: If you blend, add a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
Step 5: Season and Serve
The final step is to adjust the seasoning and add a finishing touch to enhance your soup.
Read more on the next page. Final Adjustments:
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
Add fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil for a more vibrant flavor.
A drizzle of olive oil or a knob of butter can add a pleasant richness to the soup.
How to Serve the Soup?
Serve with toasted bread for a crunchy touch.
Add homemade croutons, which you can quickly make by frying bread cubes in a little olive oil with garlic and herbs.
If you like contrasting textures, scatter some pumpkin or sesame seeds on top.
Tip: For an even more indulgent touch, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
