Potato soup

Potato Soup: An Explosion of Vitamins and Comforting Flavors

Potato soup is a classic dish, full of vitamins and flavors, perfectly blending simple ingredients with a special taste. This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers a wonderful opportunity to bring a touch of nostalgia to the table, reminding us of family meals from childhood. In this detailed guide, I will accompany you step by step on a culinary adventure, helping you create a delicious potato soup that will delight everyone.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6

Ingredients
- 500 g of potatoes (choose a starchy variety for better texture)
- 1 can of Cirio Polpa (about 400 g of chopped tomatoes)
- 2 l of water (preferably filtered water)
- 1 l of borscht (you can use natural borscht for a more authentic taste)
- Salt (or Delikat, to taste)
- 2 carrots (sweet carrots add a flavor note)
- 1 bell pepper (can be red or green, depending on preference)
- 2 red onions (provide a sweeter taste, but you can also use white onion)
- 1 white onion
- 1 bunch of lamb's quarters (for an extra freshness)
- 1 bunch of green onions (adds a crunchy note)
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil (olive oil is a healthy alternative)
- 1 parsnip
- 1 celery root
- A bunch of fresh parsley (for garnish and flavor)
- A bunch of fresh lovage (lovage has an intense and aromatic taste)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes so they cook evenly. The carrots and bell pepper can be diced, while the onion should be finely chopped. The parsnip and celery can be sliced thinly. This initial preparation is essential for ensuring a tasty soup.

2. Sautéing the Vegetables
In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the onion becomes translucent and starts to caramelize slightly. This step will add depth of flavor to your soup.

3. Adding the Water
After the vegetables have sautéed, add the 2 liters of hot water to the pot. It is important for the water to be hot so as not to stop the cooking process of the vegetables. Let the mixture boil for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

4. Including the Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot. It is recommended to add them at this point, as they need about 15-20 minutes to cook without falling apart. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Seasoning
Once the potatoes are almost done, add salt or Delikat to taste. You can test towards the end to adjust the seasonings. Then add the borscht and the can of Cirio Polpa, mixing well. The soup should come back to a boil.

6. Finalizing the Soup
When the soup starts to boil, remove it from heat and add the lamb's quarters, green onions, parsley, and finely chopped lovage. These fresh ingredients will bring a note of vitality and a fresh aroma. Cover the soup for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Serving and Suggestions
Potato soup can be served plain or you can add a spoonful of sour cream and a beaten egg for a richer taste on days when you are not fasting. A slice of fresh bread or warm polenta are perfect accompaniments.

Useful Tips
- Variations: You can try adding other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, to diversify the recipe.
- Storage: The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be frozen for later use. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
- Nutritional Benefits: This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, while parsley and lovage are excellent sources of antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of vegetables?
Yes, you can add any vegetables you prefer or have on hand. Zucchini, green beans, or even peas are excellent options.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
If you like a spicier taste, you can add a chopped hot pepper or a bit of cayenne pepper.

3. Is potato soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, by omitting the sour cream and any other animal-derived ingredients, the soup becomes a delicious vegan dish.

This potato soup is more than just a recipe; it is a symbol of comfort and family warmth, perfect for chilly days. With every spoonful, you will savor not only the taste but also the memories of home. Enjoy!

The vegetables and onion, finely chopped, are sautéed for a few minutes in oil, then everything is deglazed with 2 liters of hot water. When the vegetables have boiled, add the peeled and diced potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes over medium heat, being careful not to break them. Then add the seasoning/salt (to taste), borscht, and tomatoes. When it comes to a boil, remove from heat and add the herbs (parsley, lovage, sorrel, and tarragon, the latter giving the soup a special flavor). Enjoy your meal!

On days when we are not fasting, we can enrich the soup with a tablespoon of sour cream and a beaten egg!

 Ingredients: 1/2 kg of potatoes, a can of Cirio Polpa, 2 l of water, 1 l of borscht, salt (delicate), 2 carrots, bell pepper, 2 red onions, 1 white onion, 1 bunch of sorrel, 1 bunch of green onions, 2-3 tablespoons of oil, root of parsnip and celery, a bunch each of parsley and green lovage.

 Tags:  soup potatoes vegetables