Vegetable Soup with Crispy Bread Pieces: A Comforting Delight

Heat the chopped vegetables in a pot with olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook it until it turns translucent. Then, add the leeks and celery to the pot and cook them until they start to become tender.
Prepare the vegetables. Put the diced carrot, red pepper, zucchini, and potatoes. Mix the vegetables well by stirring them thoroughly.
Cook slowly. Add the minced garlic, chili pepper (if available), salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot. Stir everything thoroughly. Cover the pot and let the vegetables cook slowly for 5-7 minutes to enhance their flavors

Put some broth in the soup and let it cook slowly. Add the vegetable broth to the soup and heat it until it begins to lightly boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Prepare the croutons. While the soup is cooking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the bread into small squares to create croutons. Place them on a baking tray and drizzle some olive oil over them. Sprinkle salt, dried garlic, red pepper, and oregano on the top. Distribute the mixture evenly. Bake the croutons in a preheated oven for about 10 minutes until they become golden and crispy.
Complete the soup by removing it from the heat and stirring in the chopped parsley before serving. Place the warm soup in bowls and sprinkle some small pieces of toasted bread on top of each portion.
Different methods to present food:
Enjoy this hearty vegetable soup with some crusty bread or a fresh salad for a tasty and fulfilling meal.
Put a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on each portion to make it smoother and more flavorful.
Cooking Advice:
You can put in your preferred vegetables or herbs in the soup to make it taste exactly how you want.
To make a thicker soup, you can blend some of the cooked vegetables before adding the broth.
Benefits for Health:
This vegetable soup is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from different vegetables that can boost your health and well-being.
Crunchy croutons made from whole grain bread can give you energy and make you feel full.

Olive oil is good for the heart because it has healthy fats, and herbs like parsley not only add flavor but also antioxidants to the food.