Soup with lascută

Lascăte Soup - A Comforting and Flavorful Delight

Lascăte soup is a traditional recipe, rich in flavors and warmth, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a comforting meal. This nourishing soup, made with fresh vegetables and smoked meat, combines rustic charm with refinement, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare this delicacy, sharing some useful tips and variations that will enrich your recipe.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

- 3-4 medium carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 piece of celery
- 1 large onion
- 300-400 g smoked bacon (or smoked ham, as preferred)
- 1 can of tomato paste (approx. 400 g)
- 1 cup of borscht (approx. 250 ml)
- Salt, to taste
- 200 g pasta (lascăte or other square-shaped pasta)
- Optional: sour cream for serving and hot pepper (piscos)

Recipe Story

Lascăte soup has its roots in the culinary traditions of many regions, often prepared on festive days or during chilly winter evenings. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each housewife adding her own ingredients or personal tricks. Depending on your preferences, you can experiment with different types of meat or vegetables, adapting the recipe according to the season.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Vegetables:
Start by peeling and chopping the vegetables. The carrots, parsley root, and celery should be cut into larger pieces to maintain their shape during boiling. The onion can be halved or quartered to release its aroma into the soup without completely breaking down.

2. Boiling the Broth:
In a large pot, add the smoked bacon (or ham, if you have it) and fill with water, enough to cover the meat and vegetables. Add salt to taste and place the pot over medium heat. Once the water starts to boil, add the prepared vegetables. Let it simmer for 40-50 minutes until the meat is tender and the vegetables release their flavors.

3. Adding the Pasta:
Once the meat is well cooked, add the pasta (lascăte) to the pot. Boil according to the package instructions, usually between 5-10 minutes, until al dente.

4. Flavoring the Soup:
Once the pasta is cooked, add the borscht and tomato paste. Stir well and let it boil for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.

5. Serving:
The soup is ready! You can serve it hot, with a generous spoonful of sour cream on top and, if you like, with hot pepper for an extra kick. This detail will add a pleasant contrast to the rich flavor of the soup.

Practical Tips

- About the meat: If you can't find smoked ham, bacon is an excellent alternative, but you can also use chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Seasonal vegetables: Depending on the season, you can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, for a fresh touch.
- Thickening the soup: If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add a few diced potatoes at the beginning of the cooking process.

Nutritional Benefits

Lascăte soup is a healthy choice, rich in vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals. The smoked meat adds an important protein boost, and the borscht is beneficial for digestion due to its acidity. Each serving contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of meat and sour cream added.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, using whole grain pasta will add extra fiber and nutrients to the soup.

How long does the soup keep?
The soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

What other recipes pair well with this soup?
A fresh summer salad or warm polenta are excellent accompaniments to this soup, providing a pleasant contrast.

Customized Variation

If you want to give the soup an exotic touch, you can add a teaspoon of sweet or smoked paprika when adding the tomato paste. This will add depth of flavor and a distinct taste.

In conclusion, lascăte soup is a versatile and delicious dish that will not only warm your soul but also bring a touch of tradition to your table. I hope you enjoy every spoonful and share this recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 3-4 carrots, 1 parsnip root, 1 piece of celery, 1 onion, bacon (it's better with smoked ham but I couldn't find it, usually I do), 1 can of tomato paste, 1 cup of borscht, salt, square pasta (we call them 'lascute') 200g

 Tags:  vegetables borscht paste soup