Hearty Vegetable Soup with Aromatic Croutons

#### Instructions

##### 1. **Prepare the Aromatic Croutons**:
Before making the soup, let’s get the croutons started! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

– Slice the bread into cubes, aiming for about 1-inch pieces.
– In a bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
– Toss the bread cubes in the butter mixture until they are well coated. Spread the cubes evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
– Bake for 12-15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside.

##### 2. **Start the Soup**:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

– Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

##### 3. **Add the Vegetables**:
Add the diced carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and absorb the flavors of the garlic and onion.

##### 4. **Simmer the Soup**:
Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth), and add the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

– Let the soup cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

##### 5. **Blend (Optional)**:
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. This step is optional but adds a velvety texture to the soup that’s oh-so-satisfying.

##### 6. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning**:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. If you like a little extra heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

##### 7. **Serve the Soup**:
Ladle the hot vegetable soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous handful of homemade aromatic croutons and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of this delicious soup!

#### Tips for the Perfect Hearty Vegetable Soup

– **Use Seasonal Vegetables**: The beauty of this soup is in its versatility. Feel free to use whatever vegetables are in season or what you have in your fridge. You could add parsnips, sweet potatoes, corn, or even some peas for extra flavor and texture.

– **Make it Creamy**: If you prefer a creamier version of the soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a velvety finish. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving.

– **Add Protein**: If you’d like to make the soup more filling, consider adding beans (like white beans or chickpeas) or cooked lentils for a boost of plant-based protein.

– **Make It Ahead**: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months—just make sure to keep the croutons separate so they stay crispy.

– **Don’t Skip the Croutons**: The croutons are the star of the dish! They add so much flavor and texture to the soup, making each bite feel like a little indulgence. Feel free to get creative with the seasonings, or even add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking for an extra savory touch.

#### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– **Nutrient-Rich and Wholesome**: Full of fresh vegetables, this soup provides a hefty dose of vitamins and minerals to support your health, all while being light and satisfying.
– **Comforting and Filling**: It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—perfect for chilly evenings, rainy days, or whenever you need a cozy meal.
– **Customizable**: With so many ways to swap in or out vegetables, proteins, or seasonings, this soup can be tailored to fit your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have in your pantry.
– **A Crowd-Pleaser**: Whether you’re making it for your family, friends, or guests, this hearty vegetable soup will surely impress everyone with its depth of flavor and comforting qualities.

#### Conclusion

**Hearty Vegetable Soup with Aromatic Croutons** is the perfect dish to enjoy during the colder months, or any time you’re craving a nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Packed with fresh vegetables, savory broth, and topped with golden, garlicky croutons, this soup is the epitome of comfort food.

So next time you’re looking for a wholesome, filling meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, make a big pot of this hearty vegetable soup. Your body and soul will thank you.

**Warm up with a bowl today!**