Sour potato soup with borscht
Sour potato soup with borscht is a traditional dish, beloved by many, that brings with it a comforting aroma and pleasant acidity. This recipe evokes childhood memories, when grandmothers welcomed us with steaming bowls of soup, filled with fresh vegetables and flavors that made us feel at home. Moreover, it is an excellent option for a healthy meal, offering plenty of vitamins and nutrients. Let’s embark on the adventure of preparing this delight!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 5 medium-sized potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 1 red onion
- 3 pieces of leek (the white parts)
- 1/2 parsley root
- 100 g celery root
- 1 small parsnip
- 1 sprig of fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage (for garnish)
- Borscht to taste (preferably homemade)
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- Salt
- Noodles (optional, depending on preferences)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables under a stream of cold water. This step is essential to remove impurities. Cut the potatoes into medium cubes, the carrots into rounds, and finely chop the red onion. The leek is cut lengthwise and then into pieces of about 2-3 cm. The parsley root and celery can be cut into cubes, while the parsnip is sliced thinly.
2. Boiling the vegetables: In a pot of about 4 liters, add enough water to cover the vegetables. Place the pot on the stove and wait for it to reach boiling point. When the water starts to boil, add all the prepared vegetables, covering the pot with a lid. Let it boil for 30 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Adding liquid ingredients: After 30 minutes, check if the vegetables are cooked. The potatoes should be soft but not completely mushy. Add the tomato juice and the two tablespoons of oil. These will not only enhance the soup's flavor but will also add a pleasant color. Let it boil for one minute.
4. Final assembly: Now it's time to add the borscht. Its sour smell will transform the dish, so adjust the amount according to your preferences. Also, add salt to taste to highlight the flavors. Check the consistency of the soup and, if necessary, you can add water to achieve the desired volume. Let the borscht boil well for about 5 minutes.
5. Finishing the soup: Before turning off the heat, add the noodles (if you choose to use them) and the finely chopped fresh lovage. The noodles will cook quickly, in just a few minutes, adding a pleasant texture to the soup. Once the noodles are ready, take the pot off the heat.
6. Serving the soup: Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. You can serve it alongside a slice of fresh bread, which will perfectly complement this comforting dish.
Practical tips:
- Borscht: If you don't have homemade borscht, you can find commercial options, but make sure they are natural and preservative-free. Borscht adds a characteristic sour note, and the dish will be truly special with a homemade option.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to add a touch of variety.
- Noodles: If you don't have noodles, you can use short pasta or even rice, adapting the recipe to the ingredients you have on hand.
- Storage: The soup keeps very well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and is even tastier the next day when the flavors have had time to blend.
Nutritional value:
This soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, carrots and onions are rich in antioxidants, while parsley and lovage add extra nutrients and flavor.
Frequently asked questions:
- How sour should the soup be? The taste of the soup depends on personal preferences. Start with a small amount of borscht and adjust according to taste.
- Can I add meat? Sure! A delicious option is to add chicken or pork, which can boil together with the vegetables.
Delicious combinations:
Sour potato soup can be served with a fresh green salad or a cheese tart. A refreshing drink, such as mint tea or tomato juice, will perfectly complement the meal.
Whether you grew up with sour potato soup on your family table or it’s your first time making it, this recipe will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 5 medium-sized potatoes, 2 carrots, 1 red onion, 3 pieces (the white ones) of leek, 1/2 root parsley, 100 g root celery, 1 small parsnip, 1 sprig of fresh parsley, 1 bunch of fresh lovage, bors to taste (I prepare it at home and it turns out sour), 200 ml tomato juice, 2 tablespoons of oil, salt, noodles (I didn't have any at home and used what I had).
