Cretan Vegetable Soup

Cretan Vegetable Soup is a vibrant and hearty dish featuring a medley of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a hint of lemon, capturing the essence of the Mediterranean. This comforting soup is not only nourishing but also a celebration of the local flavors of Crete.

Ingredients

• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Celery - 1 stalk, diced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Potato - 1 medium, diced
• Green bell pepper - 1/2, diced
• Tomatoes - 2 medium, chopped
• Vegetable broth - 500 ml
• Bay leaf - 1
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in the diced carrot and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add the diced zucchini, potato, and green bell pepper, cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Mix in the chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbs: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from a variety of vegetables.
• Low in calories, making it a great option for weight management.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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