Moldovan Potato Soup - Philips Multicooker

Moldovan Potato Soup in a Philips Multicooker: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Moldovan soup is a true culinary treasure, brimming with flavors and aromas. This potato soup recipe, prepared using a multicooker, will not only offer a wonderful taste but also provide comforting warmth on chilly days. Plus, it's easy to make, perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. Let’s discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients needed:
- 600-700 g potatoes (choose type A or B potatoes, which are more suitable for soup)
- 2 carrots (fresh and crunchy carrots will give a more intense flavor and color)
- 1-2 onions (a white onion will add a sweeter taste)
- 1-2 green onions (for an extra touch of freshness)
- ½ red bell pepper (a flavorful vegetable that adds a hint of sweetness)
- 300 ml sour cream (choose high-fat sour cream for a creamy texture)
- 1 l fermented milk (this will enrich the soup)
- 2 eggs (to thicken and enhance the soup)
- 2 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- Fresh lovage (for an aromatic flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparing the soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes of about 2 cm. They will help thicken the soup and add a pleasant texture. Grate the peeled carrots using a large grater, and dice the bell pepper into small cubes. Peel the onion and leave it whole, as we want to remove it from the soup at the end to avoid turning it into mush.

2. Cooking the vegetables: Turn on the Philips multicooker by pressing the MENU button and selecting the FRY function for 7 minutes. Press START. Add the oil to the pot, and once it’s heated, add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir the ingredients well and close the lid. Let them sauté for 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

3. Adding the potatoes: After 5 minutes of sautéing, add the potato cubes to the pot. It’s important to add them now so that the flavors blend perfectly. Pour a cup of water over the vegetables, add the whole onion, and let it boil for 2 minutes.

4. Preparing the soup: Select the STEW function, which allows for even and slow cooking for 45 minutes. Make sure to add water up to the indicated line on the multicooker pot. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking. Close the lid and press START.

5. Finishing the soup: Once the cooking time is up, disconnect the multicooker and pour the soup into a large pot. Now it’s time to add the sour cream, fermented milk, and beaten eggs. Mix well, and to prevent the eggs from curdling, add 2 ladles of hot soup to the sour cream and egg mixture, then pour this mixture back into the soup.

6. Serving: Season the soup with chopped lovage and stir again. The soup can be served with hot chili peppers on the side, which adds a spicy flavor and a note of contrast.

Suggestions and variations:
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a freshly chopped hot pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
- You can also include other vegetables, such as celery or parsnip, to diversify the flavor.
- An interesting variation would be to add a few slices of smoked sausage during the vegetable sautéing, which will intensify the soup's flavor.
- The soup can be served with a slice of homemade bread or with polenta for a truly traditional meal.

Nutritional benefits:
Potato soup is an excellent source of healthy carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Potatoes are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, while the added vegetables contribute to an increased intake of vitamins and antioxidants. The sour cream and eggs provide valuable proteins essential for the body.

Approximate calories: 230 kcal/serving (without hot pepper)

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables are a good alternative, but it’s recommended to thaw them before cooking to avoid excess water in the soup.
2. Can I make the soup without fermented milk? Absolutely! You can use only sour cream and water, and the soup will still be delicious.
3. How long can I keep the soup in the fridge? The soup can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it’s best to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

This Moldovan potato soup recipe is not just a traditional meal but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together around the table. Enjoy and have a wonderful time cooking!

 Ingredients: 6-700 g potatoes, 2 carrots, 1-2 onions, 1-2 green onions, 1/2 red bell pepper, 300 ml sour cream, 1 l buttermilk, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons oil, salt, pepper