Chef's Soups Du Jour Recipe

Soup Preparation

1. 1

   Sauté the Base

   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. 2

   Add Vegetables

   Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. 3

   Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth

   Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. 4

   Simmer the Soup

   Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. 5

   Add Optional Ingredients

   If using, add the chickpeas, spinach, zucchini, and pasta to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir well to combine.

6. 6

   Final Adjustments

   Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

7. 7

   Serve

   Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top!