Mary Berry's Hearty Vegetable Soup: A Simple & Delicious Recipe
Mary Berry, a beloved British baking and cooking icon, is known for her simple yet flavorful recipes. This article delves into a delicious and comforting vegetable soup recipe inspired by her style, perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch. We'll focus on optimizing this recipe for both taste and search engine visibility, ensuring it ranks well for relevant keywords.
Ingredients for Mary Berry-Inspired Vegetable Soup
This recipe emphasizes fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your preference and available ingredients. Remember, freshness is key for a truly delicious soup!
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g (14 oz) chopped tomatoes (canned are fine)
- 500ml (17 fl oz) vegetable stock
- 150g (5 oz) potatoes, peeled and diced
- 150g (5 oz) green beans, trimmed and halved (or other green vegetables like peas or spinach)
- 100g (3.5 oz) leeks, sliced (optional, adds a lovely sweetness)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Soup
This recipe is designed for simplicity and ease. Even novice cooks can create this delicious soup!
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped tomatoes.
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Simmer the Vegetables: Pour in the vegetable stock, add the potatoes, green beans, leeks (if using), and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
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Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. Leaving some texture is perfectly fine!
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Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Mary Berry-Style Vegetable Soup
- Use good quality stock: Homemade vegetable stock adds depth of flavor. If using store-bought, choose a low-sodium variety.
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Overcooked vegetables will become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like butternut squash, sweetcorn, or mushrooms.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream before serving for extra richness.
SEO Optimization Considerations
This recipe is optimized for search terms like: "Mary Berry vegetable soup," "easy vegetable soup recipe," "healthy vegetable soup," "best vegetable soup recipe," and variations thereof. The use of headings (H2, H3), bold text, and a clear, structured format improves readability and SEO. Promoting this article through social media and relevant food blogs will further enhance its visibility.
Remember to always use fresh ingredients for the best results! Enjoy your delicious and healthy Mary Berry-inspired vegetable soup!
