Put all the vegetables in a pan with salt and 1 cup water on high heat. Cover partially and bring to boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer, till the vegetables, are completely cooked through. Remove and set aside, till cool enough to handle.
Pass the vegetables through a soup strainer or blend in a blender and then strain into a fresh pan.
Add enough water to make 41/2 cups of liquid.
Put the pan on high heat and bring to boil.
Bring to boil and add the sugar and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
To make croutons, heat the oil in a small frying pan and fry the bread crumbs till brown and crisp.
Remove and drain on kitchen paper.
Serve the hot soup garnished with swirls of cream and the croutons on the side.