Green salad soup - just like mom makes it!

Green Salad Soup - a simple and comforting delight that reminds us of home-cooked meals, where the aroma of fresh ingredients lovingly prepared brings joy to our souls. This classic recipe, with deep roots in culinary tradition, combines the smoky flavors of bacon with the freshness of green salad, transforming into a perfect dish for a cool day. Additionally, it is a quick recipe, ideal for those looking for a simple yet flavorful soup.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 200 g smoked bacon
- 2 green salads (romaine or iceberg)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon of Delikat (or another soup flavoring)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 500 ml sour cream (preferably 20% fat)
- 200 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar

Preparation of Green Salad Soup:

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by washing the salads thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring that you remove any impurities. Cut them into not-too-small strips to maintain their crisp texture. Also, slice the smoked bacon thinly. Peel and lightly crush the garlic cloves with a knife to release their aroma.

2. Frying the Bacon: In a medium pot, add a tablespoon of olive oil and place it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the sliced smoked bacon and let it fry for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and releases its flavors.

3. Preparing the Soup Base: Remove the pot from the heat and add the crushed garlic cloves. Stir quickly to prevent the garlic from burning. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour, stirring vigorously to avoid lumps. Place the pot back on the heat and carefully pour in 3 liters of water, stirring constantly to achieve a smooth base.

4. Adding the Salad: When the water begins to boil, add the cut green salad. Let it boil for about 10 minutes, until the salad becomes soft but retains some of its texture.

5. Thickening the Soup: In a separate bowl, dilute the sour cream with the milk, mixing well to avoid lumps. Take a ladle of hot soup and pour it over the sour cream mixture to temper it. This technique will prevent the sour cream from curdling when added to the soup.

6. Finishing the Soup: Add the sour cream mixture to the pot, stirring well. Add a tablespoon of Delikat, salt, and pepper to taste. For a touch of acidity and a more balanced flavor, add the 2 tablespoons of vinegar.

7. Flavoring: After turning off the heat, add the chopped fresh dill, stirring gently. Cover the pot and let the soup rest for at least 10 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

8. Serving: The green salad soup is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or croutons. You can add a tablespoon of sour cream on top for a more appetizing appearance and extra creaminess.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing the Salad: Choose fresh, crisp salads with bright green leaves. Romaine or iceberg lettuce are excellent choices for this recipe due to their texture.
- Smoked Bacon: You can experiment with different types of bacon - from pork to turkey - to achieve diverse flavors. Smoked bacon adds a distinct note, but you can also use an unsalted variant for a milder taste.
- Soup Variants: If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and add vegetables like carrots or celery for a richer flavor. You can also replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Nutritional Benefits:

Green salad soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially due to the salad, which is an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants. Garlic brings cardiovascular and immune benefits, and bacon, although a fatty product, adds essential proteins. Overall, this dish can be included in a balanced diet, in moderation.

Pairings and Suggestions:

To turn the soup into a complete lunch, you can serve it alongside a tomato salad with onions and olives or a cabbage salad. A cold drink, such as mint tea or lemonade with fresh lemon, would perfectly complement the meal.

So, prepare your ingredients and let yourself be carried away by the flavors of this green salad soup, which will not only warm your soul but also remind you of moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 200 g smoked bacon, 2 salads, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 bunch of dill, 1 tablespoon of seasoning, pepper, 500 ml of sour cream + 200 ml of milk, 2 tablespoons of vinegar