Craving a comforting soup that breaks the rules while still honoring culinary tradition? Look no further than this surprisingly delightful "Not So Portuguese Soup" that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm you from the inside out! Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor that will transform your dinner routine in just 45 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Portuguese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes. This will help to soften the vegetables and enhance their flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the soup with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more vegetable broth or water at this stage.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together more effectively.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your Not So Portuguese Soup hot!
Tips
- Vegetable Prep Matters: Dice your carrots and potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
- Sautéing Secrets: Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic. The slow caramelization develops a deeper, richer flavor base for your soup.
- Broth Boost: For an extra flavor punch, consider using homemade vegetable broth or a high-quality store-bought version.
- Seasoning Suggestion: Don't be afraid to taste and adjust! The paprika adds a subtle warmth, but you can customize with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and meld overnight.
- Garnish Game: Fresh parsley isn't just for looks - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the soup's richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
