Vegetable soup
Delicious Green Soup: A Simple and Healthy Recipe for Warm Days
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Who doesn’t love a fresh, vitamin-packed soup, especially on warm days? This green soup recipe, generously shared by the winner of the 'My Recipe' award, Sabina, is not only easy to make but also extremely healthy. It’s a perfect choice for fasting or for anyone looking for a light and refreshing meal. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicacy!
Necessary ingredients:
- 3 bunches of chard
- 2 bunches of lamb's quarters
- 1 large lettuce
- 2 bunches of green onions
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 celery root
- 1 carrot
- 2 tablespoons of rice
- 2 liters of water
- Juice of one lemon or borscht, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the chard, lamb's quarters, lettuce, and parsley leaves. Make sure all the vegetables are fresh and of good quality, as these are the key ingredients of the recipe. Wash them well under cold running water to remove impurities.
2. Blanching the greens: Heat 2 liters of water in a large pot. When the water starts to boil, add the cleaned greens. Blanching helps to retain the color and nutrients, making the soup more vibrant. After about 2-3 minutes, remove them and reserve the water used for blanching.
3. Preparing the vegetables: Dice the onion, carrot, and celery. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor to save time. In a pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the vegetables over medium heat, stirring constantly. Sautéing the vegetables helps to intensify the flavors.
4. Adding the rice: Once the vegetables have softened slightly, add the 2 tablespoons of rice. This will absorb the flavors and improve the soup's texture. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
5. Combining the ingredients: Cut the previously blanched greens into smaller pieces, as you like. Add them to the pot with the sautéed vegetables, along with the reserved blanching water and an additional 3 cups of fresh water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Boiling the soup: Let the soup simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes. Here, the flavors of the ingredients will meld together, creating a delicious dish. If you want a heartier soup, you can let the rice cook longer.
7. Sour the soup: In the end, add the lemon juice or borscht, depending on your preferences. This will bring a tangy note to the soup, perfectly balancing the taste. Don’t forget to add finely chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness.
8. Serving: The green soup can be served hot or cold. Ideally, divide it into bowls and garnish with a few parsley leaves. A slice of fresh bread on the side will make the meal even more enjoyable.
Useful tips for a perfect result:
- You can experiment with other greens, such as spinach or amaranth, to add variety to the flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a bit of finely chopped hot pepper.
- The soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavor will intensify even more!
Nutritional benefits:
Green soup is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The greens are rich in antioxidants and contribute to healthy digestion. The abundance of fiber from the vegetables and rice makes this dish filling and nutritious without adding many calories. A serving of this soup provides about 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen greens?
Yes, you can use frozen greens, but the taste will be slightly different. Make sure to thaw them before use.
2. How long can the soup be stored in the fridge?
The soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container.
3. Can the soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh for the best flavors.
4. What other dishes can it be paired with?
This soup pairs wonderfully with fresh salads or savory pies. You can also serve a refreshing drink, such as mint lemonade.
Green soup is an excellent, simple, and flavorful recipe that brings a touch of freshness to your meals. I encourage you to try it and personalize it to your taste. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 3 bunches of chives, 2 bunches of lamb's quarters, 1 bunch of purslane, 2 bunches of green onions, 1 bunch of parsley, celery and carrot (not shown in the picture), 2 tablespoons of rice, juice from one lemon or borscht, salt and pepper, 2 liters of water
