Hearty Vegetable Soup with Crispy Ricotta-Topped Bread

For the Soup:

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fry until it becomes translucent.
Add the chopped celery, carrot, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir well.
Cover with a lid and let it simmer for 5-8 minutes.
Add the chopped potatoes and pour in enough vegetable stock to cover the vegetables. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 15 minutes.
Add the pasta and chopped parsley. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the pasta is tender.
The soup is ready!
For the Bread:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Place the slices of bread on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and oregano.
Bake in the oven for 10 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
In a blender or food processor, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped onion, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Grind until smooth.
Spread the ricotta mixture on the toasted bread.
The bread is ready!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vegetable soup hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Pair with the crispy ricotta-topped bread for a complete meal.
Add a side salad of mixed greens for added freshness and crunch.
Cooking Tips
For added flavor, use homemade vegetable stock.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste; feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Use a variety of colorful bell peppers to enhance the visual appeal of the soup.
The bread can be toasted in a skillet if you prefer a quicker method.
Nutritional Benefits
This meal is rich in vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used.
The soup provides a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion.
Ricotta cheese offers protein and calcium, making the bread both tasty and nutritious.
Dietary Information
This recipe is vegetarian and can be made vegan by substituting the ricotta cheese with a plant-based alternative.
The meal is low in fat and can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and bread.
Storage
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or toaster.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and complete meal.
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weekdays.
Versatile and adaptable to different dietary preferences.
Nutritious and wholesome, providing a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Enjoy this delicious and aromatic vegetable soup with crispy ricotta-topped bread for a meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of fresh flavors. Bon appétit!