Tomato soup with herbs and egg strips

Tomato soup with greens and egg droplets is a perfect choice for days when we crave something light, fresh, and tailored to our taste. After a holiday season filled with hearty meals, this soup not only provides a welcome break but also an explosion of flavors and vitamins. Known for its simplicity and delight, this recipe is a culinary gem that not only nourishes but also enchants.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 1 liter of tomato juice
- 150 ml of tomato and red pepper ketchup
- 2-3 fresh tomatoes
- 1 large parsnip
- 2-3 potatoes
- 1-2 carrots
- 2 onions (one old and one green)
- A handful of green onions
- A handful of sorrel, spinach, or lamb's quarters (combine for a more complex flavor)
- A bunch of parsley
- A bunch of lovage
- 2-3 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of olive or sunflower oil
- 50 g of thin noodles (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- Optional: 2 cubes/teaspoons of vegetable concentrate
- Salt and pepper to taste

History of Tomato Soup:
Tomato soup has been a popular dish in many cultures, symbolizing the warm season, harvest, and the joy of eating fresh vegetables. This simple recipe has evolved over time, being adapted according to available ingredients and local preferences. Today, tomato soup is appreciated not only for its taste but also for its nutritional benefits, being an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.

Steps to Prepare the Soup:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by washing all the vegetables and greens thoroughly. Peel the potatoes, parsnip, and carrots, then cut them into medium-sized cubes. The green onion can be finely chopped, while the old onion will be sliced julienne.

2. Boiling the Vegetables:
In a large pot, add the 2 liters of water, potato, parsnip, and carrot, along with a little salt or, if you prefer, a cube of vegetable concentrate. Let them simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until they soften slightly.

3. Preparing the Tomato Base:
In a separate pan, add the oil and sauté the green onion and old onion for a few minutes until they become translucent. Add the peeled tomatoes (you can also use fresh tomatoes) and let them soften. After about 5 minutes, add the tomato paste and ketchup, allowing everything to simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

4. Combining the Ingredients:
After the vegetables in the pot have boiled, add the tomato mixture to the pot with the vegetables. It's time to add the sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add the noodles, letting the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. Egg Droplets:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and gradually add the flour, mixing until you obtain a batter the consistency of sour cream. Using a spoon, take some batter and pour it into the soup, forming droplets. Let it boil for another 5 minutes until the droplets are cooked.

6. Serving:
Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and lovage leaves for an extra touch of freshness and an appetizing appearance. Tomato soup is wonderful served alongside a slice of toasted bread or crunchy croutons to complete the culinary experience.

Practical Tips:
- Choosing Tomatoes: Choose seasonal, ripe tomatoes for a soup with an intense flavor. Canned tomatoes can be a good alternative when fresh tomatoes are not available.
- Customization: You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell pepper, to vary the taste and texture.
- Flavored Oil: For an extra flavor boost, you can use flavored olive oil or add herbs like basil or oregano during preparation.
- Parsley and Lovage: These greens not only enhance the flavor but also provide a vitamin boost, essential for a healthy lifestyle.

Nutritional Benefits:
This tomato soup is rich in antioxidants, such as lycopene, found in tomatoes and known for its protective properties against cardiovascular diseases. It also contains many essential vitamins (A, C, and K) and minerals, having a low caloric content, making it ideal for those looking to maintain their weight.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I replace the noodles with something else?
Yes, you can use rice or gluten-free pasta, depending on your dietary preferences.

2. What can I do with leftover boiled vegetables?
You can turn the vegetables into a vegetarian beef salad by adding mayonnaise and spices.

3. How can I keep the soup longer?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later consumption.

4. What drinks pair well with tomato soup?
A dry white wine or freshly squeezed tomato juice can perfectly accompany this soup.

In conclusion, tomato soup with greens and egg droplets is not only a delicious choice but also an opportunity to savor fresh ingredients and treat your family to a healthy dish. Try this recipe today and enjoy the simple yet sophisticated flavors that will warm your soul!

 Ingredients: 1 liter of tomato juice, 150 ml of ketchup made from tomatoes and red peppers, 2-3 fresh tomatoes, 1 larger parsnip, 2-3 potatoes, 1-2 carrots, 2 onions, a handful of green onions, a handful of chard, spinach, or lamb's quarters, a bunch of parsley, lovage, 2-3 eggs, 5 tablespoons of oil, 50 g of thin homemade noodles, 2 teaspoons of sugar, optional 2 cubes/teaspoons of vegetable concentrate, salt and pepper to taste.