Chicken soup with butter lettuce

Chicken soup with buttercup salad: A delicious recipe for spring days

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the savory world of soups! Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for chicken soup with buttercup salad, a rare and appreciated green that brings a touch of spring freshness to your plate. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, providing you with a healthy portion of vitamins and minerals.

The history and benefits of buttercup

Buttercup, also known as lesser celandine, is the first green from the wild flora that appears in spring. It is recognized for its tender leaves, which are the most flavorful and nutritious before flowering, when they become toxic. This plant has been used for centuries in various culinary preparations, and in some cultures, soups with buttercup are considered true delicacies. It contains an impressive amount of vitamin C, iron, and other essential minerals, making it an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle.

If you don't have the opportunity to pick buttercup yourself, don't worry! You can find fresh leaves at the market, where they are seasonally available. Whether you choose them from your garden or buy them, make sure they are young, green leaves without signs of aging.

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g chicken breast (preferably from a naturally raised bird)
- 2 green garlic cloves (for a more intense flavor)
- 2 green onions (adds freshness)
- 1 red bell pepper (for color and sweetness)
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for a spicy note)
- 1 celery stalk (to add a delicate taste)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (for an extra touch of acidity)
- 2 handfuls of buttercup salad (approximately 100 g)
- 150 ml low-fat sour cream (for a pleasant creaminess)
- 100 ml oil (preferably extra virgin olive oil)
- Salt, to taste

How to prepare chicken soup with buttercup salad

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. Slice the green onions, green garlic, bell peppers, and celery into thin rounds. Choose the hot pepper if you want to add a touch of spiciness to the soup. Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand, so you don't waste time while cooking.

Step 2: Cooking the vegetables

In a deep pan or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the green onions, garlic, and celery, sautéing them for 1-2 minutes until they become slightly translucent. This step will enhance the flavors and prepare the tasty base of the soup.

Step 3: Boiling the chicken

Add about 3-4 liters of water and a teaspoon of salt (or to your taste) to the pot. Then, introduce the diced chicken breast. Let everything boil over medium heat for 20 minutes. It is important to check from time to time if the chicken is well cooked, so you get tender meat.

Step 4: Finalizing the soup

After 20 minutes, when the meat is cooked, add the sour cream and lemon juice. Mix well to combine the flavors. Finally, add the buttercup salad. It is recommended to add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its crunchy texture and nutritional benefits. Let the soup boil for another 2-3 minutes, then taste and adjust the salt or lemon to your preference.

Step 5: Serving the soup

Chicken soup with buttercup salad is served hot, ideally accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or homemade bread. A delicious option is to add some toasted bread croutons for extra texture. If you wish, you can also add a few fresh buttercup leaves at serving for a vibrant look and an extra touch of flavor.

Useful tips for a perfect result

1. Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of the ingredients is essential for obtaining a savory soup. Use quality chicken and fresh vegetables.
2. Do not overcook the buttercup: It will lose its nutritional value and flavor if cooked too long. Add it towards the end to preserve its distinct aroma.
3. Customize the recipe: If you want a spicier soup, add more hot pepper. You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini.
4. Store leftovers: The soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. It can be reheated, but add fresh buttercup before serving.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other greens instead of buttercup? Absolutely! You can use spinach or dill, for example, to achieve a different flavor.
2. How can I make the soup thicker? Add some diced potatoes during boiling to thicken the soup.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Although the recipe is based on chicken, a vegan version can be made by replacing the chicken with tofu and using plant-based sour cream.

Chicken soup with buttercup salad is a culinary delight that brings a touch of spring to your plate. With each bite, you will feel the fresh taste of the ingredients, and the nutritional benefits will contribute to a healthy diet. Try this simple and quick recipe, enjoy it with your loved ones, and cherish the beautiful moments spent around the table!