Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried dittander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the carrots, celery, potato, and zucchini and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried dittander. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and puree in batches.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dittander can be substituted with dried oregano or thyme.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth or water.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or beef for a heartier soup.
- Add a can of chickpeas or white beans for added protein.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve soup in individual bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil
- Croutons
- Shredded cheese
Pairings:
- Crusty bread or crackers
- Salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the soup to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Dittander is a wild herb with a peppery flavor that has been used in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
This soup has a savory and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of peppery spice from the dittander.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this soup as a light lunch or dinner with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
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