Lamb soup recipe

Lamb Soup: Flavor and Tradition in Every Spoonful

Lamb soup is one of those recipes that evokes pleasant memories, often associated with festive meals or spring days when lamb finds its place on our tables. This soup is not only a delicious dish but also packed with nutrients, providing an excellent source of protein and vitamins. Lamb soup is a tribute to fresh and natural ingredients, masterfully combining the flavor of lamb meat with rich-tasting vegetables.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 kg lamb meat with bones (head, tail, neck)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 1 parsnip
- 1 small celery
- 2 tablespoons rice
- 2 tablespoons magic borscht (or natural borscht, to taste)
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the lamb meat thoroughly in several waters. This step is important to remove impurities and achieve a clearer and tastier soup. After washing the meat, place it in boiling salted water. Ensure the water is cold to allow the meat to release all its flavor.

2. Skimming the foam: During boiling, foam will form on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove it to achieve a clear broth. This is an essential technique, as a clear soup is always more visually appealing.

3. Straining the broth: Once no more foam forms, remove the meat from the pot and strain the broth. This will be the base of your soup.

4. Adding the vegetables: In the same pot, add diced vegetables: onion, red and green bell peppers, carrot, parsley root, parsnip, and small celery. Let them boil for about 30 minutes over medium heat. This step will allow the vegetables to release their flavors and enrich the broth.

5. Including the rice: After 30 minutes, add the 2 tablespoons of rice. The rice will absorb the juice from the meat and vegetables, thus contributing to the soup's texture.

6. Adding the tomato juice: After a few minutes, when the rice is almost cooked, add the tomato juice. This will give the soup a pleasant color and delicious taste.

7. Adjusting the acidity with borscht: Finally, add the magic borscht (or natural borscht), adjusting the acidity to taste. This will add a pleasant contrast and intensify the flavors of the lamb meat.

8. Finishing with herbs: Before serving, finely chop the lovage and add it to the soup. This will provide a fresh aroma and perfectly complement the soup's taste.

9. Serving: Lamb soup is served hot, often alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can add sour cream on top for a creamier taste.

Practical tips:
- Lamb meat: Opt for meat with bones, as the bones add extra flavor and richness to the soup. Young lamb has more tender and juicy meat.
- Vegetables: You can customize the vegetables according to your preferences. Other vegetables like potatoes or zucchini can be added to vary the textures.
- Borscht: If you prefer a more pronounced acidity, feel free to add more borscht or tomato juice. You can also use natural borscht, which offers a deep and complex flavor.
- Variations: You can transform this lamb soup recipe into a lamb noodle soup by adding some strips of noodles or pasta for extra consistency.

Nutritional information:
Lamb soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins (A, C, B12), and minerals (iron, zinc). It is a good choice for a nutritious meal, especially in the cold season when the body needs essential nutrients to stay healthy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can replace lamb with beef or chicken, but the cooking time will vary.
2. Can I make the soup spicier? Sure! Add a finely chopped hot pepper or a bit of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
3. How long does the soup last? Lamb soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to reheat it before consuming.

Lamb soup is more than just a dish; it is a culinary experience that brings people together, evoking memories and traditions. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones! It may become your favorite at the festive table. Bon appétit!