Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, flavorful, and easy meal that transports you to sun-drenched California? Look no further! This California Medley Soup is your answer. Packed with vibrant vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a zesty lemon twist, this soup is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch. It's one of those easy recipes that's surprisingly impressive, making it perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels. Get ready to savor the best recipes, bursting with fresh Californian flavors!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields about 6 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Let’s get cooking! This California Medley Soup is incredibly easy to make, taking around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for quick dinner ideas.
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Add remaining ingredients: Add the zucchini, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, corn, black beans, oregano, and cumin to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Season and serve: Stir in the cilantro and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after simmering.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as yellow squash, green beans, or potatoes.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- To make this a complete meal, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a side of crusty bread.
Variations:
- Chicken California Medley Soup: Add 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken for a heartier soup.
- Vegetarian California Medley Soup: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly!
- Spicy California Medley Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Protein: Approximately 7g
- Fat: Approximately 6g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 28g
- Fiber: Approximately 7g
This delicious California Medley Soup is a healthy and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights and ideal for adding to your collection of healthy meal ideas. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family – it’s one of those delicious dishes everyone will love!