Grandma’s Wholesome Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Croutons 🥣✨

There’s something special about Grandma’s wholesome vegetable soup with Parmesan croutons—it’s warm, comforting, and packed with fresh flavors. This hearty soup is filled with colorful vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a rich vegetable broth, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

The best part? Crunchy homemade Parmesan croutons! These golden, cheesy bites add the perfect finishing touch, making every spoonful irresistible. Whether you need a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a light, healthy dish for lunch, this soup is a must-try classic.

Let’s dive into this timeless vegetable soup recipe and bring a taste of Grandma’s kitchen to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Soup

• Wholesome and Nutritious – Packed with fresh vegetables, fiber, and vitamins.
• Light Yet Satisfying – A perfect balance of comfort and health.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and one-pot cooking.
• Crispy Parmesan Croutons – The perfect crunchy topping.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats well for busy days.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Wholesome Vegetable Soup

Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful and nourishing soup:

For the Soup

Ingredient	Quantity
Onion, chopped	1
Olive oil	As needed
Celery, chopped	3 sticks
Carrot, chopped	1
Sweet red pepper, chopped	1
Sweet orange pepper, chopped	1
Courgette (zucchini), chopped	1
Potatoes, chopped	2
Chili pepper, finely chopped	1
Garlic cloves, finely chopped	2
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste
Thyme	To taste
Vegetable broth	1 liter
Frozen peas	1 cup
Fresh parsley, chopped	As needed

For the Parmesan Croutons

Ingredient	Quantity
Bread, cubed	3 slices
Olive oil	As needed
Salt	To taste
Dried garlic	To taste
Parmesan cheese, grated	As needed
Thyme	To taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grandma’s Vegetable Soup

1. Prepare the Soup

Sauté the Aromatics

• In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.

Cook the Vegetables

• Stir in the chopped celery, carrot, red pepper, orange pepper, courgette, potatoes, and chili pepper.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add Garlic and Seasonings

• Stir in the finely chopped garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme.
• Cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Broth and Peas

• Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
• Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.

Final Touches

• Adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Stir in the freshly chopped parsley before serving.

3. Make the Parmesan Croutons

Prepare the Bread

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil, salt, dried garlic, grated Parmesan, and thyme until evenly coated.

Bake Until Crispy

• Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

• Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
• Top each serving with a handful of crispy Parmesan croutons.
• Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy this warm and comforting vegetable soup with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad!

Health Benefits of Vegetable Soup

1. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

• Carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes provide vitamins A, C, and potassium for overall health.

2. High in Fiber for Digestion

• Celery, courgette, and peas are rich in fiber, which supports gut health.

3. Heart-Healthy Ingredients

• Olive oil, garlic, and thyme help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

4. Low in Calories, High in Nutrients

• This soup is light yet filling, making it great for weight management.

Expert Tips for the Best Vegetable Soup

1. Use Fresh, Seasonal Vegetables

• Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup.

2. Let the Soup Simmer for More Flavor

• Allowing the soup to simmer for longer deepens the taste.

3. Customize with Your Favorite Herbs

• Try basil, oregano, or rosemary for a unique twist.

4. Store for Later

• This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

5. Add More Protein

• Mix in chickpeas, lentils, or tofu for a heartier meal.

Delicious Variations of Vegetable Soup

1. Spicy Mediterranean Soup 🌶️

• Add chopped olives and feta cheese for a Greek-style soup.

2. Creamy Vegetable Soup 🥛

• Stir in coconut milk or cream for extra richness.

3. Hearty Bean and Vegetable Soup 🥣

• Add kidney beans or chickpeas for a protein boost.

4. Low-Carb Vegetable Soup 🥬

• Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips.

5. Asian-Inspired Broth 🍜

• Add ginger, soy sauce, and tofu for an Asian twist.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

1. Refrigerating Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

2. Freezing for Later

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.

3. Best Ways to Reheat

• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use vegetable stock cubes instead of broth?

Yes! Dissolve stock cubes in hot water for a quick broth substitute.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?

Skip the Parmesan croutons or use vegan cheese instead.

4. How can I make it more filling?

Add chickpeas, lentils, or pasta for extra heartiness.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Grandma’s wholesome vegetable soup with Parmesan croutons is a classic, comforting dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy evening, it’s a must-try recipe.

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