Red orache and spinach soup

Red orach and spinach soup – a recipe full of vitamins and flavor

Total time: 45 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Today, I propose a delicious and nourishing recipe, perfect for days when you feel the need to refresh yourself with fresh and healthy flavors. Red orach and spinach soup is an excellent choice, being rich in nutrients and vitamins, yet easy to prepare. This soup is often associated with spring when fresh greens appear on the market, but you can enjoy it anytime!

Brief history
Soup, in general, is a traditional dish appreciated for its versatility. By using simple yet nutritious ingredients, such as orach and spinach, this soup has been a way to utilize natural resources in a healthy and tasty manner. Orach is a green-leaved plant that has been consumed over time, having both culinary and medicinal applications.

Ingredients
- A good handful of orach
- 2 handfuls of fresh spinach
- 1 carrot
- 2-3 green onions
- 2-3 green garlic stalks
- 1 small cup of rice (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil
- Salt, to taste
- Vinegar, to taste

Preparing the red orach and spinach soup

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the orach and spinach well under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. Cut the orach into strips about 2-3 cm long and the spinach into smaller pieces to soften them more easily in the soup. The carrot and potatoes will be diced into small cubes, while the green onion and garlic will be finely chopped. This step is essential to ensure that all ingredients cook evenly.

Step 2: Boiling the soup base
In a large pot, add about 3 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, add the diced carrot and potatoes, as well as the washed rice. The rice will contribute to the soup's consistency, giving it a pleasant texture. After adding these ingredients, add the chopped green onion and garlic.

Step 3: Cooking the vegetables
Let everything boil over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes until the rice and potatoes are cooked. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot. At this stage, you can also add salt to taste.

Step 4: Adding the greens
When the rice is cooked, add the orach and spinach to the pot. Let them boil together for 4-5 minutes, just enough for them to soften and release their flavors. These greens are rich in vitamins and minerals, making your soup an extremely nutritious dish.

Step 5: Finishing the soup
Once the greens are cooked, adjust the salt and add a little vinegar to give it a more acidic taste and balance the flavors. Vinegar is a key ingredient that helps enhance the flavors and brings a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the vegetables. Turn off the heat and add a tablespoon of sunflower oil, which will add a touch of flavor and a beautiful shine to the soup.

Step 6: Serving
Before serving, finely chop the lovage and sprinkle it on top of the soup, adding an extra freshness. This is a wonderful choice to accentuate the fresh flavors of your soup. Red orach and spinach soup is usually served with sour cream, which adds a pleasant creaminess and balances the taste. Don't forget to sprinkle a bit of lovage in the bowl for an extra flavor.

Practical tips
- If you don't have fresh orach, you can try using beet greens or even kale for an interesting variation.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to enrich and diversify the flavor of the soup.
- Vinegar can be replaced with lemon juice or a balsamic vinegar dressing for a different taste.

Nutritional benefits
Red orach and spinach soup is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals. Orach is rich in iron and calcium, while spinach provides a significant amount of antioxidants, benefiting the immune system and overall health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, it is a convenient option, but the flavor may be slightly different. Make sure to thaw and drain the vegetables before adding them to the soup.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
If you like spicy food, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper or a few drops of sriracha sauce.

3. What other dishes can be paired with red orach and spinach soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or a cheese pie. Additionally, a glass of white wine or herbal tea can ideally accompany this dish.

Red orach and spinach soup is not just a simple recipe, but a true celebration of fresh flavors. Whether you prepare it for a family meal or a gathering with friends, this soup will impress you with its delicate flavors and nutritional benefits. I wish you much success in cooking and bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 handful of lamb's quarters, 2 hands of spinach, 1 carrot, 2-3 green onions, 2-3 green garlic stalks, 1 cup of rice (2 tablespoons), 2 potatoes, 1 bunch of green lovage, 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil, salt, vinegar.