Potaž is a creamy vegetable soup that is popular in Serbia and many other countries. This soup is typically made from a variety of vegetables that are pureed together to create a smooth and velvety texture. It is often enjoyed as a comforting starter or a light meal, especially during the colder months. The versatility of Potaž allows you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. It is also a healthy option, being low in calories and high in essential nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 large potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 liter vegetable broth or water
• 100ml heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

2. Add the Vegetables:

   • Add the chopped carrots, potato, and zucchini to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion mixture.

3. Add the Broth:

   • Pour in the vegetable broth or water, ensuring that the vegetables are fully covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Blend the Soup:

   • Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend in batches.

5. Add Cream (Optional):

   • For a richer, creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream after blending. Heat the soup gently for another 5 minutes without bringing it to a boil.

6. Season and Serve:

   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 250g):

• Calories: ~150 kcal (without cream) or ~220 kcal (with cream)
• Proteins: ~3g
• Carbs: ~20g
• Fiber: ~4g

Nutritional Summary: Potaž is a light and nutritious soup that is low in calories, especially when made without cream. It provides a good amount of dietary fiber from the vegetables, which supports digestive health. The soup is low in protein, but it’s an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, especially if made with a variety of colorful vegetables. Adding cream increases the calorie and fat content, making the soup richer and more satisfying. Overall, Potaž is a versatile and healthy dish that can be easily adapted to suit dietary preferences.