Hearty Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (optional, for color and flavor)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: a handful of green beans or cabbage for extra vegetables

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Dice the potatoes, carrot, zucchini, and onion. Set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add Vegetables:
   • Add the potatoes, carrot, and zucchini to the pot. Stir for 2-3 minutes to coat the vegetables in the oil and aromatics.
4. Season and Simmer:
   • Add the broth, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Blend or Keep Chunky (Optional):
   • For a creamier soup, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender, then stir it back into the pot. For a chunky soup, skip this step.
6. Adjust and Garnish:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

This soup is light, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy meal. You can customize it with additional vegetables or spices based on your preferences. Enjoy!