Banat mushroom soup

Banat mushroom soup is a traditional recipe that combines the rich flavors of aromatic mushrooms with the savoriness of smoked meat and fresh vegetables. This soup is not only nourishing and comforting but also quick to prepare, perfect for days when we want to enjoy a warm lunch without spending hours in the kitchen. In this recipe, I will share the step-by-step process, useful tips, and some variations that will take this dish to another level.

Total preparation time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g mushrooms (preferably porcini, but champignon or pleurotus are also excellent)
- 300 g smoked meat (trout, sausages, or any homemade smoked meat)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper or red pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 50 ml sunflower oil or olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of mustard
- 100 g sour cream (fermented sour cream is ideal for a more intense flavor)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- A handful of chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation steps:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, and dice the bell pepper or red pepper into small cubes. Clean the mushrooms of any impurities with a brush or a damp cloth, then slice them.

2. Sauté the ingredients: In a medium pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the sliced smoked meat and red pepper. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add water and mushrooms: After the vegetables and meat have been sautéed, add 3 liters of water and let it boil. When the water starts to boil, add the sliced mushrooms and the minced garlic. Let everything simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

4. Egg and mustard cream: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Add the mustard and sour cream, mixing well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. With a ladle of warm soup, gradually add the egg mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the egg.

5. Finalize the soup: Pour the egg and sour cream mixture into the soup and stir gently. Let it boil together for another 2-3 minutes. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and, to taste, with lemon juice, which will add a note of freshness.

6. Serving: Remove the pot from the heat and serve the soup hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley on top. This will add an extra flavor and a pleasant appearance to the dish.

Practical tips:
- Variations: If you want a heartier soup, add 2-3 tablespoons of rice or a handful of egg noodles during the boiling process.
- Mushrooms: Use fresh mushrooms for a more intense flavor. If you can't find porcini, champignon or pleurotus mushrooms are an excellent choice.
- Meat: You can experiment with different types of smoked meat, such as sausages or even smoked bacon, to achieve a distinct flavor.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned mushrooms?
- While it is recommended to use fresh mushrooms for better taste, you can use canned mushrooms in an emergency. Make sure to drain them well before adding them to the soup.

2. What garnish goes well with this soup?
- A slice of toasted bread or croutons are excellent garnishes that perfectly complement Banat mushroom soup, bringing a contrast of textures.

3. How can I make the soup spicier?
- If you like spicy food, you can add a few slices of chili pepper or a pinch of chili powder during the sautéing of the vegetables.

Serving suggestions:
This soup pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or even with a fragrant herbal tea. From personal experience, I have found that a slice of rustic bread spread with butter adds an extra flavor to the culinary experience.

In conclusion, Banat mushroom soup is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to every bowl. Whether you choose to prepare it on cool days or enjoy it with friends, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your menu. Try it and let me know how you liked it!