Vegetable and Bulgur Soup

Vegetable and bulgur soup is a nourishing and comforting dish, perfect for a healthy and complete meal. If you wish to add an Italian twist to the recipe, consider using homemade vegetable broth and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving to enrich the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of bulgur
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks of celery, cut into pieces
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 potato, peeled and diced
• 400 g of canned peeled tomatoes
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Aromatic herbs to taste (thyme, rosemary, bay leaves)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Soak the bulgur in cold water for about 20 minutes, then drain it and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until translucent.
3. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the zucchini and potato, sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the peeled tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. Add the drained bulgur, aromatic herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 10-15 minutes or until the bulgur and vegetables are tender.
7. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth until the desired consistency is achieved.
8. Remove the herbs before serving.
9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if desired.

Curiosity

Bulgur is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, derived from cracked wheat grains that are steamed and then dried. It is a versatile ingredient that is well-suited to soups, salads, and side dishes. It not only provides a pleasant texture to the dish but also adds nutritional value with its high fiber and protein content.