As the weather cools down and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and warmth to your soul. Creamy Vegetable Soup with Noodles is the perfect dish for these moments. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that combines a medley of vibrant vegetables with a rich, creamy broth and tender noodles. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a satisfying and wholesome option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- ½ of a medium-sized white or yellow onion, finely chopped (about a cup)
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup green peas
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- ½ cup chopped French beans
- ½ cup minced red sweet bell pepper ( or any type of sweet bell pepper)
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ cup cooking cream
- 5 cups vegetable stock
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 200 grams uncooked noodles or pasta of choice
Instructions
1. Preparing the Base
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables until they become soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
2. Adding the Vegetables
Add the chopped carrots, broccoli florets, green peas, sweet corn kernels, French beans, and red bell pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start tenderizing and their flavors to meld together.
3. Creating the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps thicken the soup later on. Ensure the flour is fully incorporated and has no lumps.
4. Building the Soup
Gradually pour in the vegetable stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps from forming. Add the dried thyme, chili flakes, salt, and ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to cook through and the flavors to develop.
5. Cooking the Noodles
While the soup is simmering, cook the noodles or pasta of your choice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
6. Making it Creamy
Stir in the milk and cooking cream into the soup, creating a luscious and creamy consistency. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, but avoid bringing it to a boil to prevent the dairy from curdling.
7. Combining Everything
Add the cooked noodles to the pot, stirring gently to combine them with the creamy vegetable mixture. Allow the soup to heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Finishing Touches
Before serving, carefully taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the creamy vegetable soup with noodles into bowls and serve hot. This soup is best enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Conclusion
Creamy Vegetable Soup with Noodles is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of comfort that warms you from the inside out. Each spoonful offers a delightful blend of tender vegetables, savory broth, and creamy goodness, complemented perfectly by the soft noodles. This soup is ideal for cozy dinners at home, providing nourishment and satisfaction with every bite. So, gather your ingredients, take some time to cook, and indulge in the comforting embrace of this delicious soup. Happy cooking!