Lamb's quarters soup

Lamb's Quarters Borscht – A Traditional Recipe Full of Vitality

When it comes to dishes that pamper our senses, lamb's quarters borscht is on the list of most beloved recipes. It is not just a dish, but a true celebration of spring, when the fresh green of vegetables and the unique aroma of lamb's quarters invite us to the table. This tangy soup, rich in nutrients, is an excellent choice for a healthy and balanced diet.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 good handful of red lamb's quarters (about 200 g)
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3-4 large potatoes (about 400 g)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato puree
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- Borscht to sour (according to preferences)
- Salt to taste
- Water (about 3 liters)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the lamb's quarters: Start by washing the lamb's quarters leaves well under a stream of cold water. It is essential to remove any impurities, so do not hesitate to rinse them several times. Blanch the lamb's quarters leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then let them drain and cool. This step helps improve texture and flavor.

2. Chopping the vegetables: While the lamb's quarters cool, prepare the other vegetables. Cut the carrot, red bell pepper, and potatoes into small cubes. Chop the green onions, parsley, and lovage finely. If you want a touch of freshness, you can keep a few lovage leaves for decoration.

3. Cooking the borscht: In a pressure cooker, add the 3 liters of water and all the prepared vegetables, including the lamb's quarters. Add the tomato puree, which will provide a rich taste and vibrant color to your borscht. Put the lid on the pot and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, lower the pot's valve and reduce the heat. Let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. This time will help the vegetables soften and the flavors combine harmoniously.

4. Souring and seasoning the borscht: After the vegetables are cooked, it is time to sour the borscht. Carefully open the pot lid. A useful trick is to place the pot under a stream of cold water until you no longer hear noise, ensuring you won't burn yourself. Add homemade borscht and salt to taste. You can adjust the amount of borscht according to how sour you prefer it. Let it simmer for a few minutes to integrate the flavors.

5. Serving: Lamb's quarters borscht is served hot, but in summer, it is delicious cold, straight from the fridge. You can decorate it with a few fresh lovage or parsley leaves for an attractive appearance. It pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or polenta, which will complement the flavors beautifully.

Practical tips:

- Vegetarian option: If you want to turn this recipe into a vegan option, make sure to use a borscht without animal-derived ingredients.
- Homemade borscht: If you have time, prepare your own homemade borscht from water, beet noodles, and vinegar. The taste will be much more intense and authentic.
- Enhancing flavor: Add a tablespoon of olive oil for a richer taste, or for a spicy note, you can incorporate some chili flakes.

Nutritional benefits:

Lamb's quarters borscht is rich in vitamins and minerals. Lamb's quarters contain vitamins A, C, iron, calcium, and magnesium, having a beneficial effect on the immune system. Additionally, due to its antioxidant content, it helps detoxify the body and maintain healthy skin.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables?: Of course! Lamb's quarters borscht is very versatile. You can also add carrots, zucchini, or even green beans.
2. How can I store the borscht?: You can store the borscht in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It is also an excellent recipe for freezing, so you can prepare it in advance and keep it for busy days.
3. What drinks pair well?: A glass of mineral water or a cold herbal tea is ideal to complement the meal.

Lamb's quarters borscht recipe – a healthy and comforting choice, perfect for any time of the year. I encourage you to experiment and put your personal touch on this recipe to transform it into a special dish, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Bon appétit!