Duck soup

Duck soup - a recipe full of flavor and tradition

Duck soup is a dish that evokes warm and comforting memories, making it a perfect choice for cool days or family meals. This soup has a rich aroma, thanks to the duck meat, and is enriched with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. Over time, duck soup has been a symbol of hospitality and abundance, prepared with love and care in households, and today I will show you how to prepare this delicacy at home.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour (or less if using a pressure cooker)
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients for duck soup:
- 500 g duck meat (ideally from a free-range duck for authentic flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste or tomato juice
- 1 celery root (approximately 100 g)
- 1 parsley root (approximately 100 g)
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper (or capia)
- 2 onions
- 2-3 medium potatoes, diced
- Lovage and fresh parsley (for garnish and flavor)
- Salt and Delikat (to taste)
- 1 liter of borscht
- Homemade noodles (optional, to make the soup heartier)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the duck meat well under cold running water. It is essential to repeat this process several times until the water runs clear to remove impurities. Once cleaned, place the meat in a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Don’t forget to skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle or strainer to achieve a clear and appetizing soup.

2. Preparing the vegetables: While the meat is boiling, wash and peel the vegetables. Dice the onion, carrot, pepper, celery, and parsley into small cubes, and slice the parsley root. Add the vegetables to the pot with the meat once it has boiled sufficiently (about 40-50 minutes).

3. Adding the potatoes: After the vegetables have started to soften, add the diced potatoes. Let everything boil for 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

4. Finalizing the soup: Add the tomato paste, borscht, and noodles (if you choose to use them) and let everything simmer together for 10-15 minutes. Your soup will begin to develop a delicious aroma, and the scent will fill the kitchen.

5. Serving: Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and sprinkle the finely chopped lovage and parsley. These fresh herbs not only add color but also a distinct flavor to the dish.

Practical tips:
- Using a pressure cooker: If you are in a hurry, a pressure cooker can reduce the cooking time by half. The duck meat will still be tender and full of flavor.
- Adding tarragon: For an even more unique flavor, you can add a few sprigs of fresh tarragon at the end of the preparation. This will add a touch of freshness and a refined taste.
- Homemade noodles: If you have time, don’t hesitate to make homemade noodles. They will make the soup more substantial and filling.

Nutritional benefits: Duck soup is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients. Duck meat is rich in iron and vitamin B, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This combination not only improves health but also offers a remarkable taste.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of duck? Yes, but the taste will be different. Duck has a more intense and richer flavor.
- How can I make the soup more sour? You can add more borscht or a little lemon juice, depending on your preferences.
- What can I do with leftover soup? You can transform the leftover soup into rice with meat or even into a vegetable dish by adding rice or pasta.

Serving: Duck soup is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. A bottle of dry white wine will perfectly complement the meal and add a touch of elegance.

In conclusion, duck soup is a delicious dish that will not only delight the taste buds of family and friends but also bring a touch of tradition to every plate. Enjoy this recipe and cherish the moments spent around the table! Bon appétit!