Hearty Vegetable Soup with Crispy Ricotta Bread: A Wholesome and Delicious Lunch

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#### **Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the bread:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil on both sides.

2. **Toast the bread:** Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is golden and crispy.

3. **Add the ricotta:** While the bread is still hot, rub each slice with the cut sides of the garlic clove to impart a subtle garlic flavor. Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on top of each slice.

4. **Finish and serve:** Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper. Return the bread to the oven for an additional 3–5 minutes until the ricotta is slightly golden and warm.

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### Why You’ll Love This Combo

– **Nutritious and filling:** The soup is loaded with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, while the ricotta bread adds a hearty, satisfying element.
– **Perfectly balanced:** The rich, creamy soup and crispy, cheesy bread create the ideal texture contrast that will keep you coming back for more.
– **Easy to customize:** Feel free to swap out vegetables or herbs based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. The recipe is incredibly flexible!

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### Final Thoughts

**Hearty vegetable soup with crispy ricotta bread** is a wholesome, flavorful lunch that ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, it’s a meal that’s easy to make, nourishing, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, the crispy ricotta bread will elevate the soup to the next level—making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

So grab a spoon and a slice of bread, and enjoy the perfect lunch that feels as good as it tastes!

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