Vegetable and Rice Soup: A Nutritious and Easy Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice (washed and drained)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 small potato, diced
• 1/2 cup peas or corn (optional)
• 1 tomato, finely chopped, or 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1.5 liters water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base:

   • Heat olive oil or butter in a pot over medium heat.
   • Add the onion and sauté until soft.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add the vegetables:

   • Add the carrots, potatoes, and zucchini. Stir and cook for 3 minutes.
   • Stir in the chopped tomato or tomato paste.

3. Add the rice:

   • Add the rice and mix it with the vegetables for 1 minute to absorb the flavors.

4. Add water or broth:

   • Pour in the water or vegetable broth.
   • Add the salt, pepper, cumin, and turmeric. Stir well.

5. Cook the soup:

   • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice and vegetables are fully cooked.

6. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

Tips:

• You can add other vegetables like green beans or broccoli for variety.
• For a thicker soup, dissolve a teaspoon of cornstarch in water and stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Enjoy your warm and comforting vegetable rice soup! 🍲