Vegetable soup

Vegetable Soup – An explosion of flavors and colors on your plate

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

Vegetable soup is a classic dish, full of flavor, that brings together nature's finest gifts. This dish is not only a healthy choice but also an excellent way to gather family and friends around the table. Moreover, vegetable soup can be adapted according to the season, using fresh ingredients, making it ideal year-round.

The history of vegetable soup is fascinating, as it has evolved over time, blending culinary traditions from various cultures. Every cook has her unique recipe, and the secret often lies in the combination of vegetables and spices. Now, let’s see together how we can prepare a delicious vegetable soup that will delight the taste buds of our loved ones.

Ingredients:

- 1 medium beetroot
- 1 zucchini, the same size
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 kg new potatoes
- Salt, to taste
- 400 ml sour borscht
- 400 ml sour cream
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 2 tablespoons of oil

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling all the vegetables. Chop the onion finely and sauté it in a pot with heated oil over medium heat. It is important to stir constantly so that the onion becomes translucent without burning. This step will add a special flavor to your soup.

2. Adding the vegetables
Once the onion is ready, add the beetroot, zucchini, carrots, and parsley root, all finely chopped. Let the vegetables sauté together for about 5-7 minutes. This time will allow them to release their flavors, and the colors will mix beautifully, creating a true culinary rainbow.

3. Boiling
Next, add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot. Pour water up to two-thirds of the pot and let it boil over medium heat. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. Seasoning
After the vegetables are cooked, season the soup with salt to taste and add sour borscht according to your preferences. Let it boil for a few more minutes (2-3 minutes) for the flavors to blend perfectly.

5. Preparing the garlic sauce
In a small bowl, crush the garlic cloves and mix them with the sour cream. This sauce will add a note of freshness to your soup. Use a fork or a mortar to achieve a smooth paste.

6. Finalizing the soup
Using a ladle, take the soup from the pot and pour it over the mixture of sour cream and garlic, stirring gently to avoid lumps. Once you have a uniform composition, pour the soup back into the pot. Mix well with a spatula and sprinkle chopped fresh lovage on top.

7. Serving
Vegetable soup is served hot, with a slice of fresh bread on the side. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.

Practical tips:

- Choosing vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to get the best flavors. You can experiment with other vegetables, such as cauliflower or bell peppers, to vary the recipe.
- Borscht: If you prefer a tangier soup, feel free to add more borscht. You can also use lemon juice as an alternative.
- Garlic sauce: If you are not a fan of strong garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount or omit it completely.
- Variations: The soup can be enriched with frozen vegetables or beans for a higher protein content.

Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g

Vegetable soup is not only a healthy choice but also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, being rich in fiber due to the vegetables used. This recipe is perfect for a light dinner or a comforting lunch meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen vegetables?
Of course! Frozen vegetables are an excellent alternative and can be easily used in this recipe.

- How much borscht should I add?
It all depends on your preferences. Start with 400 ml and adjust to taste.

- Can the soup be stored in the fridge?
Yes, vegetable soup stores well in the fridge and can be consumed for 3-4 days.

I wish you a good appetite and hope you enjoy this simple and delicious vegetable soup recipe! Share the recipe with your loved ones and bring a touch of health to every meal!

 Ingredients: -1 red beet, medium-sized, -1 zucchini, the same size, -1 onion, -2 carrots, -1 parsley root, -1 kg new potatoes, -salt to taste, -400 ml sour borscht, -400 ml sour cream, -3 cloves of garlic, -1 bunch of fresh lovage, -2 tablespoons of oil.