Vegetable soup with lovage
Vegetable soup with lovage: a symphony of green flavors
Vegetable soup is one of those recipes that evokes memories of summer, of gardens full of colors and freshness. It is a dish that combines health with flavor and can be adapted according to the available vegetables, whether fresh from the garden or from the fridge. Lovage, with its distinctive aroma, is the magic ingredient that transforms this soup into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Necessary ingredients:
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 parsley root, chopped
- 1 celery root, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 3 liters of water (or 2 liters of water + 1 liter of chicken broth)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (preferably olive oil for a refined taste)
- 1 can of peeled tomatoes in juice
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 liter of borscht (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste
Step by step:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and chopping all the vegetables. This step is essential because a well-cooked soup begins with well-prepared ingredients. Make sure the vegetables are fresh, as they will influence the final taste of the soup.
2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pot, heat the 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step will release the flavors from the onion and add depth to your soup.
3. Adding the vegetables: Once the onion is sautéed, add the carrots, parsley root, celery, and bell pepper. Continue to sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help intensify the flavors.
4. Boiling the vegetables: Add the 3 liters of water or the mix of water and chicken broth. Let the soup simmer on low heat until the vegetables become slightly soft, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Including the zucchini and tomatoes: Once the vegetables are soft, add the zucchini and peeled tomatoes. These will add a sweet flavor and pleasant texture to the soup. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the zucchini is cooked.
6. Adding the borscht: Finally, add the hot borscht and let the soup boil for 3 minutes. This step is essential to achieve that characteristic sour taste of the soup.
7. Adjusting the salt: Taste the soup and add salt to your preference. Remember that the borscht may already be salty, so adjust carefully.
8. Serving: The vegetable soup with lovage is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It can also be enjoyed cold, making it a perfect choice for hot summer days.
Practical tips:
- Varieties of vegetables: Feel free to try other vegetables, such as potatoes, green beans, or peas. Each vegetable adds a unique note to your soup.
- Borscht: You can prepare borscht at home for an authentic taste. It can be made from fermented beet stalks with water and salt.
- Fresh lovage: It is ideal to use fresh lovage, but you can also opt for dried. Add it towards the end of cooking to preserve the aroma.
Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of borscht? Yes, you can use store-bought borscht or even apple cider vinegar to achieve a similar sour taste.
2. How long does the soup last? The vegetable soup lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
3. What can I do with leftovers? If you have leftover soup, you can turn it into a pasta sauce or use it as a base for a cream soup.
For a complete culinary experience, this vegetable soup pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade bread or a fresh green salad. Try serving it alongside a dry white wine, which will enhance the flavors of the vegetables and make the meal more special.
Add a personal touch to your recipe by including some extra spices, such as black pepper, paprika, or even a pinch of chili if you like it a bit spicier. The vegetable soup with lovage is an excellent choice for a healthy meal, full of nutrients and flavors, that will bring joy to every home. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 2 medium onions, chopped 2 medium carrots, chopped 1 parsley root, chopped 1 celery root, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 zucchini, chopped 3 liters of water (or 2 liters of water + 1 liter of chicken broth) 3 tablespoons of oil 1 can of peeled tomatoes in juice 1 bunch of parsley 1 liter of borscht salt to taste
