Vegetable soup is a nutritious and tasty one-pot meal that's perfect for chilly winter days. It's comforting when you're dealing with colds or throat infections and is also great for anyone looking to lose weight. Best of all, it's quick to prepare and ready in less than 30 minutes.
Start by heating olive oil or any vegetable oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and half of finely sliced spring onions. Sauté until they become fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, to release their flavors.
Introduce chopped beans, carrots, and green peas to the pan. Stir well and fry them together for about 2 minutes. This quick fry helps to bring out their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Add chopped cabbage and green bell pepper, sprinkling a pinch of salt over them to enhance their taste. Give them a quick sauté for about one minute, just enough to start softening without losing their crunch.
Pour water into the pan to cover the vegetables, then stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Cover the pan with a lid and let the vegetables boil for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to reach the right tenderness.
Remove the lid and carefully pour in the cornflour slurry, made by dissolving the specified amount of cornflour in water to ensure there are no lumps. Stir continuously to blend the slurry smoothly into the soup, thickening it and creating a silky texture.
Allow the soup to continue boiling for a few more minutes until it starts to thicken up a bit. This is a good time to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Finish by seasoning the soup with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat. Sprinkle the remaining spring onions on top for a fresh, crisp garnish.
Your healthy vegetable soup is now ready to be served and savored!
Serving
Enjoy this healthy Vegetable Soup alongside spicy chicken starters, your favorite side dish, or simply savor it on its own. It's perfect as a stand-alone meal or paired with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
Here are some tips to make this vegetable soup uniquely yours:
Authentic Soup: This version of the soup is simplified for ease. If you're interested in a more elaborate and authentic recipe, check out the full version available on my blog.
Variety of Fresh Vegetables: Boost your soup with a range of fresh vegetables like beans, carrots, peas, cabbage, and green bell pepper. Adding mushrooms, broccoli, and sweet corn can also bring extra flavor and texture.
Thicken and Add Protein: Customize your soup’s texture with thickening agents like a cornflour slurry or oats powder. For more variety and a protein boost, consider adding grilled shredded chicken or other meats.
Health Benefits: This soup is not only tasty but also comforting, perfect for soothing colds and throat infections in the winter. It’s also great for weight loss due to its low-calorie, nutritious ingredients.
Chinese-Inspired: For a Chinese twist, stir-fry the vegetables before adding them to the soup along with soy and chili sauces.
Indian Style: Introduce a burst of flavor with Indian spices such as bay leaf, cumin, pepper, and cinnamon, along with onions and garlic.
Italian Influence: Incorporate Italian seasonings and a mix of vegetables and legumes like broccoli, sweet corn, mushrooms, beans, and chickpeas. Adding grilled chicken can further enhance the flavor.