Lamb's quarters soup

Lamb's lettuce soup – a spring delicacy, full of flavor and nutritional benefits

Lamb's lettuce soup is a traditional dish that combines the refined taste of vegetables with the nutritional properties of lamb's lettuce, a green plant that adds vitality to the plate. Rich in iron, magnesium, fiber, and vitamins E and K, lamb's lettuce is an excellent choice for a healthy lunch or a light dinner. This soup is not only tasty but also revitalizing, making it stand out in the warm season.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 3 bunches of lamb's lettuce
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup of rice
- 3-4 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch of lovage, chopped
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 l bors (or to taste)
- 200 g sour cream
- Salt and seasoning to taste
- Olive or sunflower oil

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing the lamb's lettuce thoroughly, leaf by leaf, to remove any impurities. After washing, remove the stems and chop them finely. The carrot, bell pepper, and green onion will also be chopped finely, preparing to impart a rich flavor to the soup.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and a few tablespoons of water. Heat them over medium heat and add the onion. Let the onion soften slightly, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

3. Add the carrot and bell pepper: Once the onion is soft, add the diced carrot and bell pepper. Continue to sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes to enhance their flavors.

4. Boil the rice: Add 1.5 liters of hot water, and when the water starts to boil, add the rice. Simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is well cooked but not overcooked, so it remains slightly al dente.

5. Prepare the bors: In another pot, boil the bors separately, removing any foam that forms on the surface. This step is essential for achieving a clear and appetizing soup.

6. Add the lamb's lettuce: When the rice is cooked, add the chopped lamb's lettuce along with the hot bors to the pot with vegetables and rice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

7. Creaminess with yolk and sour cream: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with two tablespoons of sour cream. Take a ladle of hot soup and gradually add it to the egg and sour cream mixture, stirring continuously. Then, gently pour this mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring to achieve a creamy texture without curdling the egg.

8. Adjust the taste: Season the soup with salt and seasoning, then let it simmer for another 1-2 boils. Turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley and lovage for an extra burst of fresh flavor.

9. Serving: Lamb's lettuce soup is served hot or cold, with a spoonful of sour cream on top. It is ideal to be enjoyed alongside a slice of fresh bread or a cheese pie, which will perfectly complement the soup's flavor.

Practical tips:
- Vegan option: For a vegan version, you can omit the yolk and sour cream, and replace the bors with lemon juice or vinegar to maintain acidity.
- Add protein: If you want to turn the soup into a more substantial main dish, you can add cooked chicken cubes or boiled beans.
- Vibrant color: If you want to enhance the soup's appearance, you can add a few fresh parsley or lovage leaves when serving.

Nutritional benefits:
Lamb's lettuce soup is not only delicious but also extremely healthy. Lamb's lettuce contains a significant amount of iron, which helps maintain blood health, and is a good source of fiber, essential for healthy digestion. Carrots provide beta-carotene, while bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen lamb's lettuce?: It is recommended to use fresh lamb's lettuce for the best taste, but you can use frozen lamb's lettuce if you do not have access to fresh.
- How long can the soup be stored?: Lamb's lettuce soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat it over low heat before serving.

Lamb's lettuce soup is a fantastic option for a light and nutrient-rich meal. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe that will transport you straight to the heart of spring!

 Ingredients: 3 links of lamb's quarters, 1 diced carrot, 1 cup of rice, 3-4 chopped green onion stalks, 1/2 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 diced green bell pepper, green parsley, lovage, 1 egg yolk, sour cream, 0.5 l of borscht.

 Tags:  loboda.carrot soups parsley