Roasted Vegetable Soup with Halloumi Croutons: A Cozy and Flavorful Winter Treat

As the weather turns colder, there's nothing quite like a warm and comforting bowl of soup. This roasted vegetable soup with halloumi croutons is the perfect solution for a satisfying and nutritious meal on a chilly day.

Ingredients

For the soup: * 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed * 1 large onion, chopped * 2 carrots, peeled and sliced * 1 celery stalk, sliced * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 4 cups vegetable broth * 1 teaspoon dried oregano * 1 teaspoon dried thyme * Salt and pepper to taste For the halloumi croutons: * 1 block halloumi cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes * 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). 2. In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and olive oil. Toss to coat. 3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. 4. While the vegetables are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. 5. Add the roasted vegetables, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender. 6. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. 7. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 8. Add the halloumi cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. 9. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy halloumi croutons.

Tips

* For a creamier soup, add 1/2 cup of cream or coconut milk before pureeing. * To make the soup ahead of time, roast the vegetables and prepare the soup base. Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and top with the freshly made halloumi croutons. * For a vegan version of this soup, substitute the halloumi cheese with crispy tofu or chickpeas.

Conclusion

Roasted vegetable soup with halloumi croutons is a delicious and nutritious meal that's perfect for a cold winter day. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're craving a comforting bowl of soup, give this recipe a try.