Endive, potato, and herring soup

Endive, potato, and herring soup: a comforting delicacy with a unique taste

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Discover a soup recipe that combines the delicate flavors of endives with the sweetness of potatoes and carrots, all enriched with the rich taste of smoked herring. This soup not only offers a unique culinary experience but is also a healthy choice, full of nutritional benefits.

Endive, also known as Belgian chicory, is often avoided due to its slightly bitter taste. However, this distinctive flavor makes it a special ingredient in the kitchen, and its cooking manages to balance the bitterness, transforming it into a delicacy for the senses. This vegetable is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, containing only one calorie per leaf. Endives not only help stimulate the appetite but are also known for their energizing properties.

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 large endives
- 2-3 potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 2 fillets of smoked herring
- 1 liter of chicken broth (or 1 liter of water + 1 chicken Knorr cube)
- 20 cl sour cream
- 2 shallots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt, pepper, paprika

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the carrots and potatoes thoroughly. Peel them and cut them into cubes of about 1 cm. This will help the vegetables cook evenly.

2. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Once the broth is boiling, add the carrot and potato cubes. Let it boil for 15 minutes, until the vegetables become slightly tender.

3. Preparing the endives: Meanwhile, clean the endives of the outer leaves and cut off the core. Cut the endives into pieces of about 2-3 cm. Add the chopped endives to the pot after the 15 minutes of boiling the carrots and potatoes.

4. Continuing to cook: Continue to boil the mixture for another 10-15 minutes, until the endives become tender but still hold their shape.

5. Blending the soup: Once all the vegetables are cooked, take a blender or an immersion mixer and blend the soup until you achieve a smooth texture. If you want to keep some cubes of carrot and potato for decoration, now is the time to set them aside.

6. Preparing the shallots: Clean and finely chop the shallots. In a small pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the shallots until golden. Once done, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

7. Finalizing the soup: Reheat the soup over low heat and add the sour cream. Mix well to integrate the sour cream into the soup. Cut the herring fillets into small cubes and add them to the soup.

8. Serving: To serve, pour the endive soup into deep plates. Place the herring cubes in the center and decorate with the reserved carrot and potato cubes, along with the sautéed shallots. Sprinkle a bit of freshly ground pepper and, if desired, a pinch of paprika for added flavor.

9. Enjoy!: Serve the soup immediately, ideally alongside a slice of crusty bread. Bon appétit!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of fish instead of herring? Yes, you can substitute herring with smoked salmon or tuna, which will add a different flavor to the dish.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a bit of chili or paprika during cooking to intensify the flavor.
- How can I adapt the recipe for vegans? A vegan version would be to replace the herring with smoked tofu and use soy cream instead of regular sour cream.

Serving suggestions:
This soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad with lemon dressing or with a rustic crusty bread. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine can perfectly complement the meal, adding a touch of elegance.

Possible variations:
- Add spices: You can experiment with herbs, such as dill or parsley, to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Add vegetables: Try adding celery or zucchini to diversify the texture and taste of the soup.

Nutrition:
This endive, potato, and herring soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, having a low calorie content due to the healthy ingredients. It is an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 10 g of fat, 30 g of carbohydrates, and 15 g of protein, making it a nutritious and filling option.

In conclusion, endive, potato, and herring soup is not just a comforting dish but also an opportunity to explore less common ingredients in the kitchen. Experiment with flavors and textures, and each bite will become a true culinary delight. So, heat up your pot and let your imagination soar!