Potato soup

Potato Soup - A classic, comforting, and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Potato soup is a recipe that evokes memories of family Sunday meals, when everyone gathered around the table to enjoy warm and tasty dishes. This soup is not only easy to prepare but also hearty and full of nutrients, offering a perfect mix of vegetables to delight your taste buds. It is ideal for cool days or when you need a little boost of comfort.

Ingredients:
- 6 medium potatoes (about 800 g)
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 celery root (about 150 g)
- 2 carrots (about 200 g)
- 1 parsnip (about 100 g)
- Fresh parsley leaves (about 30 g)
- Celery leaves (about 20 g)
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive or sunflower oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Vegeta (optional, to taste)
- 1 cup of broth (about 250 ml) or tomato juice
- Dried marjoram leaves (about 1 teaspoon)
- 200 ml of borscht or juice from half a lemon

Practical tip: Make sure the vegetables are fresh. A quality soup always starts with quality ingredients. You can also add other vegetables according to your preferences, such as zucchini or green beans.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing all the vegetables well. Peel the carrots, parsnip, celery, and potatoes, leaving the bell pepper intact to preserve its flavor. Cut the carrots into rounds, the parsnip and celery into small cubes, and finely chop the bell pepper and onion.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, add the 2-3 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. This step is essential for developing the flavors.

3. Add the root vegetables: Once the onion is ready, add the carrots, celery, and parsnip. Let them sauté together for another 5-7 minutes. You will notice how the flavors blend and the vegetables become more tender.

4. Potatoes in action: Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes. Mix well and let them sauté with the other vegetables for about 2 minutes to absorb the flavors from the pot.

5. Boiling the soup: Add water (about 1.5 liters) to the pot, enough to cover all the vegetables. Let it boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes become tender.

6. Season the soup: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the broth (or tomato juice) and Vegeta or salt to taste. Mix well and let it boil for another 5 minutes. Here you can experiment with spices, adding a pinch of pepper or herbs for extra flavor.

7. Finishing the soup: A few minutes before turning off the heat, add the borscht or lemon juice to give it a touch of acidity that will balance the taste. Before serving, add the finely chopped parsley and celery leaves for an extra freshness.

8. Serving: Serve the soup hot, perhaps alongside a slice of fresh bread, spread with butter or with crunchy croutons. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream if you like.

Nutritional benefits: Potato soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables used. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, while carrots and celery provide important fiber and antioxidants. This soup will not only satisfy your hunger but also contribute to maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Possible variations: If you want to add a different note to your soup, you can include some pieces of chicken or smoked meat for a more intense flavor. You can also experiment with various types of vegetables, such as zucchini or peas.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but the cooking time may be shorter.

2. Can I replace borscht with something else?
Yes, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to achieve acidity.

3. What is the best way to store the soup?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can freeze it to consume later.

Potato soup is not just a simple recipe, but also a symbol of comfort and family warmth. Regardless of the variations you choose or how you serve it, you will discover that each bowl of soup is a warm embrace you can savor. So take your time to enjoy every step of cooking and share this delicacy with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!