Winter Vegetable Noodle Soup is a nourishing and comforting Bulgarian soup, ideal for cold days. Traditionally served in a cup, this soup combines seasonal vegetables and fide (fine noodles) for a filling, warm meal. This version is vegetarian but can easily be adapted to include more protein by adding shredded chicken or beans.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients (For Four People)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup fide (fine noodles)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Optional Ingredients
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
- Bay Leaf: Adds depth to the broth.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 2: Add potatoes and broth
Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Add tomato and noodles
Stir in the tomato puree and frozen peas, and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Add the fide noodles and cook for another 5 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Step 4: Season and serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into cups, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Tips and Tricks
Let the soup simmer longer for a richer flavor before adding the noodles. This allows the vegetables to release more of their flavors. Adjust the thickness by adding more or less broth as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup in cups with a slice of crusty bread on the side. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add an extra savory touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 150
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Substitute fide with gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium vegetable broth.
Storage Suggestions
Allow the soup to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add extra broth if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid. This soup is not ideal for freezing because the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.
About the Winter Vegetable Nuddle Soup
This winter vegetable soup is a cozy Bulgarian dish, popular in cold months. The addition of fide noodles makes it a filling and flavorful meal. Bulgarian soups often combine simple, seasonal ingredients, making this a versatile dish.
Cultural Context
In Bulgaria, soups like this are enjoyed throughout the winter for their warmth and comfort. Fide noodles are often used in Bulgarian cooking to add a delicate, tender texture to soups, balancing the robustness of winter vegetables.
