CHARD SOUP - dietetic

Sorrel soup is a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a healthy and comforting meal, full of vitamins and fresh flavors. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines fresh vegetables with sorrel, an often overlooked but extremely nutritious ingredient. If you are looking for a dietary soup recipe that will enrich your meals and provide an explosion of taste, you have come to the right place!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 3-4 slices of celery
- 1 onion
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one green for color)
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 1-2 bunches of fresh sorrel
- 1 liter of borscht
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lovage and tarragon (optional)
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or other vegetable oil)

Brief history
Sorrel soup is a traditional recipe that has its roots in healthy cuisine, being appreciated over time for its nutritional benefits. Sorrel, in particular, has been used for generations for its diuretic and detoxifying properties. This soup is often consumed both hot and cold, being ideal for hot summer days as well as for cold weather when you need comfort on your plate.

Step by step in preparing sorrel soup

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing all the vegetables very well. Choose fresh, seasonal vegetables, as they will add a more intense flavor to your soup. Cut the carrot, parsnip, and celery into small cubes, and slice the onion and bell peppers thinly. You can dice the tomatoes or grate them for a finer puree.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a large pot, add the tablespoon of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes golden. Then, add the carrot, parsnip, and celery. Sauté all the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Adding the water:
Once the vegetables have softened and started to release their aroma, add about 1 liter of hot water. Let it come to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium to simmer the soup gently.

4. Preparing the sorrel:
Meanwhile, wash the sorrel well under cold running water, then drain it well. Cut it into thin strips. It is important not to blanch the sorrel, as this process will destroy its valuable vitamins.

5. Adding the sorrel:
After the vegetables have boiled for about 10-15 minutes and have become slightly soft, add the sorrel to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes.

6. The borscht and seasonings:
When the sorrel is almost cooked, add the previously boiled borscht (I recommend using homemade natural borscht for better flavor). Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle the chopped lovage and tarragon to enhance the flavors.

7. Serving:
Sorrel soup can be served hot or cold. If you want to add a touch of flavor, you can enrich the soup with a beaten egg or add pieces of fried bacon. A delicious idea is to make an omelet from beaten eggs, cut it into strips, and add it on top of the soup before serving.

Serving suggestions
For an extra taste, serve the sorrel soup with a slice of fresh homemade bread or crunchy croutons. A green salad on the side will perfectly complement the meal, providing a contrast of textures and flavors.

Tips and variations
- You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, to vary the recipe.
- If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add rice or small pasta during the boiling process.
- Substitute the borscht with lemon juice for a more acidic note, if you like.

Nutritional information
Sorrel soup is an excellent dietary choice, rich in vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals, with a low caloric content. A serving of sorrel soup has about 100-150 calories, making it ideal for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen sorrel?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.

- How can I store the soup for the next day?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last up to 3 days.

- Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is completely vegan, but you can add animal-derived ingredients if you prefer.

Enjoy this sorrel soup as a true elixir of health and savor every spoonful! This dietary recipe will not only improve your well-being but will also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

 Ingredients: 1 carrot, 1 parsnip, 3-4 slices of celery, 1 onion, 2 bell peppers, 3 tomatoes, 1-2 bunches of chard, 1 liter of borscht, salt, pepper, lovage, tarragon, 1 clove of garlic, 1 tablespoon of oil