Lenten spinach soup

Spinach Soup for Lent - A Spring Recipe Full of Freshness and Flavor

Spinach soup is a light dish, packed with nutrients and perfect for the Lent season. This simple yet delicious recipe is ideal for bringing a touch of spring to your plate, being a perfect combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic flavors. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, you will get a comforting soup that serves 4-6 portions.

Necessary ingredients:
- 600-700 g fresh green spinach
- 8 green onions (or to taste)
- 4 green garlic stalks
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 50 g rice (preferably round grain)
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 small parsnip
- 1 red bell pepper
- 4 tablespoons oil (olive or sunflower)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of "secret taste" vegetable seasoning (or a vegetable broth cube)
- 2 teaspoons of magic borscht (or to taste)
- A few peppercorns
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 2.5 l water

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Step by step to a delicious soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by carefully selecting the spinach. Make sure to wash it well under running water to remove any impurities. Cut it into large pieces, about 3-4 cm, or tear it by hand. Chop the green onions and garlic finely, and dice the carrot, parsnip, and bell pepper.

2. Boiling the water: In a large pot, add 2.5 l of water, a teaspoon of salt, and a few peppercorns. Place the pot on heat and wait for it to boil.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: Meanwhile, in a frying pan, add the 4 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the diced carrot, parsnip, and bell pepper. Sautéing the vegetables will intensify their flavors and give the soup a richer taste.

4. Adding the spinach: Once the vegetables have softened a bit, add the spinach to the mixture. Do not blanch it, as we want to keep the vitamins intact and give it a pleasant texture. Mix well and let the spinach wilt for a few minutes.

5. Including the tomato paste: Dissolve the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste in a small cup of warm water and add the mixture to the vegetables in the frying pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can combine.

6. Boiling the soup: Transfer the vegetable mixture to the pot of boiling water. Add the chosen and rinsed rice, which will add consistency and make the soup more filling. Let the soup boil for 20-25 minutes, partially covered, stirring occasionally.

7. The borscht and spices: In a cup, dissolve the 2 teaspoons of borscht with a little warm water and add it to the soup. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Let it come to a boil a few times, then turn off the heat.

8. Finishing the soup: Sprinkle the freshly chopped lovage and dill on top of the soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup sit for 5-10 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a soup with a rich and complex taste.

Serving suggestion:
Spinach soup can be served warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or with crunchy croutons. If you are not observing Lent, a delicious option is to enrich the soup with a beaten egg mixed with two tablespoons of sour cream for added creaminess.

Useful tip:
To make the soup even more flavorful, try adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice at the end to enhance the vegetable flavors. Also, if you want to add a touch of spiciness, a finely chopped red chili pepper can be added during boiling.

Nutritional benefits:
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. This soup is an excellent source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, making it ideal for a healthy diet. A serving of spinach soup has about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used, making it a light and nourishing choice for Lent meals.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, frozen spinach is a convenient alternative. Make sure to thaw it and drain excess water before adding it to the soup.
- How can I modify the recipe to make it more filling? Add diced potatoes or green beans; these will add substance and heartiness to the soup.
- What other vegetables can I add? Carrots, zucchini, or celery can be excellent additions, each bringing a distinct flavor.

Spinach soup is a versatile recipe, easily adaptable to personal preferences. Whether you are looking for a healthy meal during Lent or want to explore new flavors, this soup will surely delight you. Enjoy every spoonful and let the tastes of spring carry you away!

 Ingredients: 600-700 g green spinach, 8 green onions (or as desired), 4 green garlic stalks, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 50 g rice, 1 medium carrot, 1 small parsnip, 1 red bell pepper, 4 tablespoons oil, salt and pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon vegetable flavor secret, 2 teaspoons magic bors, a few peppercorns, 1 bunch of green lovage, 1 bunch of green dill, 2.5 l water.

 Tags:  soup spinach fasting recipes