APPLE SOUP

Apple Borscht: A Home Delicacy

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

In our kitchen, there are recipes that blend simplicity with refinement, and apple borscht is certainly one of them. This delicious soup, with a sweet-sour taste and creamy texture, offers a unique culinary experience, perfect for cool days or a comforting family meal. Over time, apple borscht has been appreciated as a healthy, nutritious dish full of vitamins, thanks to its fresh ingredients and enticing flavors.

Necessary Ingredients

- 500 g of apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples, such as Golden or Fuji)
- 1 egg (preferably free-range, for a richer taste)
- 30 g of flour (to thicken the soup)
- 30 g of butter (or olive oil for a healthier option)
- 2 tomatoes (fresh, in season, for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g of sour cream (for added creaminess)
- 2 medium-sized onions (for a sweeter taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 2 sprigs of fresh tarragon (to add flavor)

Step by Step: Preparing Apple Borscht

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by washing the apples well. Remove the cores and cut them into small cubes. This will help with even cooking. Peel and finely chop the onions. Blanch the tomatoes to make them easier to peel, then chop them finely as well.

2. Sautéing the Onions:
In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté gently for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and begins to caramelize. This will bring a sweet and pleasant flavor to the borscht.

3. Adding Flour and Fruits:
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and mix well, being careful to avoid lumps. This step will thicken the borscht. Then, add the diced apples and chopped tomatoes. Stir all the ingredients together to combine and allow them to soften.

4. Cooking the Soup:
Add about 500 ml of water or enough to cover the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for 20 minutes until the apples become soft.

5. Finishing the Dish:
When the apples are well cooked, add the finely chopped tarragon. Remove the pot from the heat. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the sour cream. Add the egg and sour cream mixture to the warm borscht, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the egg. This step will make the soup creamier and heartier.

6. Serving:
The apple borscht is served warm, garnished with a few fresh tarragon leaves. It can be accompanied by a slice of homemade bread or crispy croutons. A personal idea is to add some crushed nuts on top for a crunchy contrast and a touch of flavor!

Practical Tips

- Choosing the Food: It is important to choose the right apples. Sweet apples add a note of flavor to the borscht, while sour apples can add an interesting taste, but make sure to balance the flavors.
- Variations: You can experiment with other ingredients, such as carrots or celery, to add more vegetables and improve the nutritional profile of the borscht.
- Storing the Borscht: If you have leftover borscht, you can keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. It can be reheated, but be careful not to boil it again, as the egg may curdle.

Nutritional Benefits

Apple borscht is a healthy soup, full of vitamins and minerals. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which contribute to maintaining digestive health and strengthening the immune system. Tomatoes add lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while tarragon brings an extra layer of flavor and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned apples?
While it is recommended to use fresh apples for better taste, you can use canned apples, but make sure they are not too soft to avoid ruining the texture of the borscht.

2. Can the borscht be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze apple borscht, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to benefit from all its nutrients and flavor.

3. What other recipes pair well with this borscht?
Apple borscht pairs perfectly with a salad of raw vegetables or a portion of grilled fish. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine would perfectly complement the meal.

In conclusion, apple borscht is not just a simple soup, but an explosion of flavors that will delight your senses. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will surely leave a pleasant impression. So embrace this simple and tasty recipe and enjoy every bite!