Greek-style soup

Greek-style soup – a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Greek-style soup is a dish full of flavors that brings a touch of tradition in every spoonful. It is a hearty soup, with tender meat, colorful vegetables, and a tangy note from the lemon salt, which gives it its distinctive character. This recipe is perfect for chilly days but can be enjoyed anytime you crave comfort.

The history of this soup is fascinating, being an example of adapting traditional recipes based on available ingredients and local tastes. Over time, people have found ingenious ways to combine meat, vegetables, and spices, and Greek-style soup is the result of such culinary creativity.

Ingredients:

- 1 chicken (approximately 1.5 kg), cut into pieces
- 4 liters of water
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 2 carrots
- 1 medium onion
- 150 g celery (about one stalk)
- 8 tablespoons of rice
- 1/2 packet of lemon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 4 eggs
- A little fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step by step:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken well under cold running water. Cut it into smaller pieces for even cooking. Place the meat in a large pot with 4 liters of water and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, remove the foam that forms on the surface with a skimmer. This step is essential for obtaining a clear and tasty soup.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: While the meat is boiling, prepare the vegetables. Peel the onion, carrots, and celery. Chop the onion finely, and cut the carrots and celery into small cubes. The bell peppers can be sliced. In a pan, add a few tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Then add the carrots and celery, sautéing everything for a few minutes. Finally, add the bell peppers and rice, mixing well to combine the flavors.

3. Adding the vegetables to the soup: When the meat is well cooked (about 30-40 minutes), add the sautéed vegetable mixture to the pot with the meat. This will give the soup a rich flavor. Let everything simmer on low heat for another 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the vegetables are tender.

4. Adding the tanginess: After the rice is cooked, add lemon salt to taste and let the soup come to a boil. This will provide a fresh and tangy note characteristic of this recipe.

5. Finishing the soup: In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sour cream until smooth. Gradually add a few tablespoons of the hot soup to the egg and cream mixture, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. Then pour the mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring well to integrate all the ingredients.

6. Serving: Finally, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley on top. Greek-style soup is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons.

Useful tips:

- You can replace the chicken with pork or beef, depending on your preferences.
- Add other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or peas, for a more colorful and healthy version.
- If you want an even tangier soup, you can add lemon juice instead of lemon salt.

Nutritional benefits: Greek-style soup is full of protein from the meat and essential nutrients from the vegetables. A serving provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for a complete meal.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are an excellent option and can be added directly to the soup without needing to thaw them.

2. How long can I keep the soup in the fridge?
The soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in airtight containers to preserve its flavor.

3. Can I freeze Greek-style soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it is recommended to do this before adding the sour cream and eggs. When you want to serve it, thaw the soup and add the final ingredients.

Greek-style soup is more than just a recipe – it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Enjoy every spoonful and share this delicacy with your loved ones!