Cream of Vegetable Soup

Cream of Vegetable Soup is a comforting, velvety dish that offers a nourishing way to enjoy fresh seasonal vegetables in a rich, smooth broth. If you’re tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or boring, heavy meals, this soup provides a light yet hearty alternative packed with flavor.

At dishfoody.com, the focus is on creating simple, wholesome recipes that bring warmth and joy to your table. This article will cover why this recipe works, selecting the best vegetables, preparing ingredients, easy step-by-step cooking instructions, expert tips, flavor variations, serving suggestions, and FAQs.

Why This Cream of Vegetable Soup Recipe Works

  • Uses affordable, fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery
  • Provides a comforting, creamy texture without loads of dairy or calories
  • Fast to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights and quick lunches

Choosing the Right Vegetables for Cream of Vegetable Soup

Best Vegetables for This Recipe

Carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions create a flavorful base. Spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower can be added for variety and nutrition.

Buying Tips

Select bright, firm vegetables without blemishes. Fresh, in-season produce will give the best taste and texture.

Substitutions

Use frozen or canned vegetables for convenience. Extra root vegetables like parsnips or turnips add depth.

Ingredients & Prep for Cream of Vegetable Soup

Vegetable Prep Essentials

Chop all vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking. Rinse vegetables thoroughly; peel potatoes and carrots as needed.

Pantry Staples

Olive oil or butter for sautéing, vegetable broth for the base, milk or cream for creaminess, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Additional Ingredients

Optional herbs like thyme, parsley, or bay leaves add flavor layers. A splash of white wine or lemon juice enhances brightness.

Cream of Vegetable Soup

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cream of Vegetable Soup

Pre-Cooking Prep

Wash, peel, and chop vegetables into medium-sized pieces. Prep herbs and broth.

Cooking Method

  1. In a large pot, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery; cook 5-7 minutes to soften.
  3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
  5. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender; blend until smooth and creamy.
  6. Return to pot, stir in milk or cream, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
  7. Warm through without boiling and serve hot.

Doneness Check

Vegetables should be soft and the soup velvety smooth.

Resting

Serve immediately, or keep warm for up to 30 minutes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cream of Vegetable Soup

  • Use fresh vegetables for maximum flavor.
  • Use an immersion blender or regular blender for a smooth, even texture.
  • Add a touch of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten the flavor.
  • Garnish with chopped herbs or a drizzle of good olive oil.

Flavor Variations for Cream of Vegetable Soup

Spicy Twist

Mix in a dash of cayenne or chili flakes for heat.

Keto/Paleo

Use coconut milk instead of dairy and omit flour to keep it grain-free.

Global Flavors

  • Indian: Add ginger, cumin, and turmeric.
  • Mediterranean: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
  • French: Garnish with a swirl of crème fraîche and fresh thyme.
VariationKey IngredientDietary TagFlavor Profile
Spicy TwistCayenne, chili flakesBoldHeat, spice
Keto/PaleoCoconut milk, herbsLow-carbRich, tropical
Global FlavorsCumin, sun-dried tomatoesExoticEarthy, tangy

Serving Suggestions for Cream of Vegetable Soup

Serve hot with crusty bread, whole grain rolls, or a side salad. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.

FAQs for Cream of Vegetable Soup

  • Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • How do I thicken the soup? Use a little flour, cornstarch, or blend more vegetables.
  • Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Yes, swap milk with coconut milk and omit dairy.

Conclusion

Cream of Vegetable Soup is a nourishing, versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste. It’s simple, comforting, and ideal for a cozy night or a quick lunch. For more delightful recipes, visit dishfoody.com and try our Anti-Inflammatory Red Lentil Soup Recipe: next!

Print

Cream of Vegetable Soup

Cream of Vegetable Soup is a velvety smooth, comforting soup made from a blend of fresh vegetables and cream. Perfect for warming up on chilly days and easy to customize with your favorite veggies.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • 1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  • 2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
  • 3. Add broccoli and cauliflower; cook for 5 minutes.
  • 4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  • 5. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  • 6. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth.
  • 7. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
  • 8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for cream.
  • Add garlic or herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
  • Serve with crusty bread or croutons.
  • Soup reheats well for leftovers.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cream of vegetable soup, smooth vegetable soup, comforting soup, easy soup recipe

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