Creamy Vegetable Soup
**Ingredients:**
– 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. **Add the Potatoes and Zucchini:**
– Stir in the diced potatoes and zucchini, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. **Simmer the Soup:**
– Pour in the vegetable broth or chicken broth, and add the dried thyme and basil.
– Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. **Make It Creamy:**
– Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
– Serve hot, with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
This creamy vegetable soup is comforting and flavorful, making it perfect for a cozy meal. Enjoy!
