Are you craving a comforting, creamy soup that’s both delicious and incredibly versatile? Look no further! This Cream of Anything Soup recipe is your answer. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand to whip up a healthy and satisfying meal in minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated appetizer, this recipe is a staple for those seeking easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to discover your new favorite homemade cooking adventure!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
-
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 minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a delicious base for your soup.
-
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This slow simmering process is key to developing a deep and complex flavor profile in your soup.
-
Blend for Creaminess: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Work in batches if necessary, ensuring the blender lid is securely fastened.
-
Stir in the Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and heat through gently. Do not boil. This final step adds the luxurious creaminess that defines this delicious dish.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and savor the delightful flavors of your homemade Cream of Anything Soup.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cream of Anything Soup:
-
Roast your vegetables: For an even deeper flavor, roast the onion, carrots, and celery before adding them to the pot. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
-
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
-
Add more vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless!
-
Make it cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or cream cheese for extra richness.
Variations:
-
Creamy Tomato Soup: Omit the carrots and celery, and add a little more tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor.
-
Creamy Potato Soup: Add 2 diced potatoes along with the other vegetables.
-
Creamy Mushroom Soup: Use 1 pound of sliced mushrooms instead of carrots and celery.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on ingredients and cream used)
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. Enjoy the flexibility and deliciousness of this simple yet versatile soup. It’s a true testament to the joy of homemade cooking and a wonderful addition to your repertoire of best recipes.