Creamy Vegetable Soup with Noodles: A Comforting and Nutritious Meal

Creamy vegetable soup with noodles is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any season. This soup is packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and tender noodles, all enveloped in a rich and creamy broth. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and nourishing meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • ½ medium-sized white or yellow onion, finely chopped (around a cup)
  • 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels
  • ½ cup chopped French beans
  • ½ cup chopped red bell pepper (or any bell pepper of your choice)
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, or adjust according to your taste preferences
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups milk
  • ¼ cup cooking cream
  • 5 cups vegetable stock
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 200 grams of your favorite uncooked noodles or pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Chop the carrots, celery, onion, broccoli, French beans, and red bell pepper. Set aside the green peas and sweet corn kernels.
  2. Cook the Vegetables:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. longer
    • Introduce the chopped onion and garlic into the skillet, cooking them gently. Stir frequently and allow the onion to become translucent and release its aroma, which should take around 3-4 minutes. This step ensures that the onions soften and the garlic infuses the dish with its rich flavor.
    • Add the chopped carrots, celery, French beans, and red bell pepper. Continue to sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening.
    • Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent them from sticking to the pan. This extra time will help the vegetables reach the desired tenderness and enhance their flavors.
  3. Make the Roux:
    • Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine.
    • Allow the mixture to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously. This step is crucial to eliminate the raw taste of the flour and to ensure the mixture develops a smooth and slightly thickened consistency.
  4. Add the Broth and Milk:
    • Slowly pour in the vegetable stock while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
    • Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to combine it with the other ingredients. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, being careful not to let it boil. This process helps to thicken the sauce and meld the flavors together. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching and to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
  5. Add the Remaining Vegetables and Seasonings:
    • Add the broccoli florets, green peas, sweet corn kernels, dried thyme, chili flakes, salt, and ground black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  6. Cook the Noodles:
    • Add the uncooked noodles or pasta of your choice to the pot. Simmer the soup for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked and the vegetables are tender.
  7. Add the Cream:
    • Stir in the cooking cream and let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
    • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary by adding additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings thoroughly. This final step ensures that the dish is perfectly seasoned to your liking.
  8. Serve:
    • Ladle the creamy vegetable soup with noodles into bowls and serve hot.
    • For an added burst of flavor and a touch of elegance, garnish the dish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or chives. This not only enhances the taste but also adds a vibrant, appealing color to the final presentation. If desired, sprinkle the herbs generously over the top just before serving to ensure their freshness and aromatic quality are preserved.

Conclusion

This creamy vegetable soup with noodles is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy broth, tender vegetables, and hearty noodles, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this comforting dish with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Bon appétit!