Golden Saffron & Seasonal Vegetable Soup
This vibrant Golden Saffron & Seasonal Vegetable Soup is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and aromatic saffron, creating a warming dish that feels luxurious yet is effortlessly simple to prepare. Perfect for chilly days, it's ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or dinner. The creamy texture and rich flavors will please your palate, while the vibrant colors offer a feast for the eyes. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this hearty, healthy soup that's packed with nutrients!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Leeks
3 (White parts only, finely chopped)
Carrot
1 cup (Diced)
Celery
1 cup (Diced)
Potato
1 medium (Diced)
Garlic
1 clove (Chopped)
Vegetable stock
4 cups (Liquid)
Saffron threads
1/4 teaspoon (Steeped in warm stock)
Salt
To taste (Adjust as necessary)
Pepper
To taste (Adjust as necessary)
Green beans
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Peas
1/2 cup (Fresh or frozen)
Whipping cream
1/2 cup (For added creaminess)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped leeks and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.
2
Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and diced potato. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but not browned.
3
Add the chopped garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
4
Pour in the vegetable stock, then add the saffron threads (allow them to steep in the warm stock before adding), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are almost tender.
6
Stir in the chopped green beans and peas. Continue to simmer until all vegetables are tender yet still crisp, about 5 minutes.
7
Finally, stir in the whipping cream and adjust the seasoning to taste. Simmer for an additional minute, until everything is heated through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Saffron & Seasonal Vegetable Soup?
It is a vibrant, aromatic soup featuring fresh vegetables and saffron, known for its rich flavors and creamy texture.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The soup is quick to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
Is this vegetable soup healthy?
Yes, it is a hearty and healthy dish packed with nutrient-dense seasonal vegetables.
What are the primary vegetables used in this soup?
The main vegetables include leeks, carrots, celery, potato, green beans, and peas.
Is there a vegan-friendly option for this soup?
Yes, you can make it vegan by substituting the butter with oil and the whipping cream with a plant-based cream alternative.
What gives the soup its golden color?
The vibrant golden hue comes from the 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads steeped in the vegetable stock.
How do I prepare the saffron for this recipe?
Allow the saffron threads to steep in the warm vegetable stock before adding them to the pot.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions that peas can be either fresh or frozen.
What is the recommended preparation for the leeks?
Use only the white parts of the leeks and chop them finely.
How long should I cook the carrots and celery?
Cook the diced carrots, celery, and potato for about 5 minutes until they start to become tender.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the chopped garlic after the initial vegetables have softened and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
What type of stock is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of vegetable stock.
How long should the soup simmer before adding the beans and peas?
Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are almost tender.
How long do the green beans and peas need to cook?
Simmer them for about 5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
What provides the creamy texture in this soup?
The creaminess is achieved by stirring in 1/2 cup of whipping cream at the end of the cooking process.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste at the final stage of cooking.
Is this soup suitable for a quick lunch?
Absolutely, its 30-minute preparation time makes it ideal for a fast yet luxurious lunch.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total used to make this soup.
What should I do after adding the whipping cream?
Simmer the soup for one additional minute until everything is heated through.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While the recipe calls for one medium diced potato, most boiling or all-purpose potatoes will work well.
Is this a good dish for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a warming and comforting dish perfect for chilly days.
What is the consistency of the final soup?
The soup has a creamy texture combined with tender, whole pieces of seasonal vegetables.
Do I need to peel the vegetables?
The recipe calls for them to be diced and chopped; peeling is generally recommended for carrots and potatoes for a smoother texture.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, though the fresh green vegetables like peas and beans are best when served immediately after cooking to maintain their color and crispness.
What kind of butter should I use?
Any standard unsalted or salted butter will work for melting at the start of the recipe.
Can I substitute the vegetable stock?
While vegetable stock is recommended for a vegetarian version, chicken stock can be used if preferred.
Does this soup contain any meat?
No, this is a vegetable-based soup.
How finely should I chop the garlic?
The garlic should be chopped finely to ensure it distributes flavor well without large chunks.
Is this recipe complicated to make?
No, it is designed to be effortlessly simple to prepare while feeling luxurious.