Description
A velvety, rustic Italian-inspired soup made with sautéed vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich Parmesan cream base. Perfect for cozy evenings and easily adaptable for dairy-free or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan Parmesan)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 cup baby spinach or kale
Optional: Croutons or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 7–8 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.
- Gradually pour in vegetable broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Season with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- If using spinach or kale, add it now and cook for a few minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with croutons or crusty bread if desired.
Notes
Use full-fat coconut milk and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Blend half the soup for a smoother, bisque-style texture.
Adding cannellini beans can increase protein and make it more filling.
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and stir often.
Not ideal for freezing due to the cream, but can be done with careful reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg