Franciscan soup with greens and sour cream

Franciscan soup with greens and sour cream: a delicacy that blends the flavors of nature

Imagine a warm soup, abundant with fresh greens, that embraces your senses and invites you to a table full of flavor. This Franciscan soup with greens and sour cream is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that evokes ancient traditions inspired by the surrounding nature. Its origins are linked to the Franciscan monks who, in their wisdom, knew that joy comes from simplicity and quality ingredients. Let’s embark together on the preparation of this wonderful soup!

Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

To achieve a soup rich in flavors and nutrients, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 bunches of sorrel
- 1 large bunch of fresh basil
- 1 bunch of green garlic
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 medium white onion
- 10 tarragon leaves
- 15 sage leaves
- 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme
- 1/4 bunch of fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons)
- 350 g thick sour cream
- 140 g butter (plus 1 tablespoon for finishing)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon flour
- Salt, pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1.5 liters of vegetable broth (celery, zucchini, onion, carrot)

Step-by-step preparation of the soup

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the white onion, green onions, and garlic into small cubes. The parsley, sorrel, basil, tarragon, and sage should be well washed and finely chopped. This step is essential to release the green aromas of the fresh ingredients.

2. Heating the pot: Choose a Zepter cooking pot or another quality pot to prepare the soup. Heat it over medium heat and add the olive oil and 140 g of butter. Gently stir to melt the butter and combine it with the oil.

3. Sautéing the onions: Add the white onion and garlic to the hot oil. Sprinkle a little salt to help release the juices and cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.

4. Adding the greens: Now is the time to add all the chopped greens. Sauté them together with the onions for 2-3 minutes until you start to feel their inviting aroma. At this point, you can also add the two teaspoons of fresh thyme for an extra flavor boost.

5. Adding the vegetable broth: Pour in 100 ml of previously prepared vegetable broth and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes so that the flavors intertwine perfectly.

6. Incorporating the sour cream: After the mixture has simmered, add the sour cream and the rest of the vegetable broth. Gently stir and let it simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes.

7. Thickening the soup: In another pot, melt a tablespoon of butter and add the flour. Stir quickly to avoid lumps. Pour the mixture over the soup and stir to thicken it. Let it cook for another 10 minutes.

8. Adjusting the taste: Before turning off the heat, taste the soup and add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to your liking. This will add a warm and aromatic note.

9. Finishing and serving: Turn off the heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream for an even creamier taste. Garnish each plate with chopped greens for a pleasant appearance and intense aroma. Serve the soup warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread.

Practical tips and variations

- Fresh ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients, as the flavors will be much more intense. The greens can be grown in your garden or purchased from local markets.
- Variations: If you want a heartier soup, you can add diced potatoes or even whole grains like barley or quinoa.
- Suitable drinks: The Franciscan soup pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine that will complement the delicate flavors of the greens.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This soup is not only delicious but also healthy, thanks to the ingredients rich in vitamins and minerals. Each serving has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used, providing an excellent mix of nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other greens? Absolutely! Experiment with other herbs like cilantro or dill for different flavors.
- How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can freeze it, but it's recommended to add the sour cream just before serving.
- Can it be made vegan? Yes! Omit the butter and sour cream and replace them with coconut oil and a plant-based sour cream substitute.

This Franciscan soup with greens and sour cream is not just a dish, but a true journey of flavors. I hope you enjoyed exploring this recipe with me! Enjoy it with love and share it with your loved ones!