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bowl of homemade vegetable soup made with fresh vegetable chunks and a short cooking time

Vegetable Soup (Soupe de légumes)

Jill Colonna
Homemade vegetable soup ready in 30 minutes. Fresh vegetables, herbs & butter make a light vegetable broth that’s healthy, easy & full of flavour.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Starter, Supper
Cuisine French
Servings 4 people
Calories 54 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 30 g (2 tbsp) butter unsalted (or 2 tablespoon olive oil for vegans)
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 large carrot finely sliced
  • 1 large leek outer leaves discarded, finely sliced
  • 1 small turnip or large potato finely chopped into cubes
  • 1 tablespoon french beans chopped (see notes)*
  • 1 litre / 1.75 pints water
  • 2 ripe tomatoes chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoon fresh peas from the pod (if fresh in Spring - optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • freshly ground black pepper according to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon or chervil leaves finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon fennel seeds)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pan, gently melt the butter over a medium heat (don't allow it to brown). Sweat the chopped onion and carrot for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the leek, turnip/potato, water, salt and pepper. Bring briefly to the boil, skimming off any impurities (foam) then immediately reduce the heat, cover but allow a little air to escape.
    Add the cauliflower, green beans and parsley stalks. Simmer for up to 15 minutes and cook until the vegetables are softened.
  • Add the tomatoes, peas (if using), and chopped fresh herbs. Cook for no more than a minute to retain the flavours and vitamins. 

Notes

To Serve: add an extra knob of butter and season to your taste.
Puréed Vegetable Soup: If you prefer your soups smooth, then liquidise in part with a hand blender or food processor.
Vegetable Broth Alternatives: Adapt vegetables according to what's in season. As I personally don't like celery, I have replaced one stalk of it with a small turnip (French navet). Fresh peas from the pod are delicious, as are mini broccoli florets.
Stock: vegetable or chicken stock can be used in place of the water but it's not necessary when using the fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 54kcal
Keyword healthy vegetable soup, homemade vegetable soup, low calories vegetable soup, pure vegetable soup, vegetable broth
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