Vegetable and Bulgur Soup

Vegetable and bulgur soup is a nourishing and comforting dish, perfect for a healthy and complete meal. If you want to give the recipe an Italian touch, consider using homemade vegetable broth and adding extra-virgin olive oil raw before serving to enrich the flavor.

Ingredients

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

Preparation

1. Soak the bulgur in cold water for about 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the carrots and celery and let them cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the zucchini and potato, and sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the peeled tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and 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 reached.
8. Remove the aromatic herbs before serving.
9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, if desired.

Fun Facts

Bulgur is a typical ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, made from cracked wheat grains that are steamed and then dried. It is a versatile ingredient that works well in soups, salads, and side dishes. Not only does it add a pleasant texture to the dish, but it also provides nutritional value with its high fiber and protein content.