Green Salad Soup

Green Salad Soup: A Recipe with Heart

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Green salad soup may seem modest at first glance, but behind its simplicity lies a story filled with nostalgia and distinctive flavors. In your childhood, you might not have given it the attention it deserved, but today this soup will win you over with its refreshing taste and the nutritional benefits it brings. It’s an ideal choice for warm spring or summer days, as well as for adding a touch of freshness to your everyday menu.

The history of green salad soup is quite interesting. This recipe has often been prepared in traditional households, using ingredients readily available from the garden. The crisp leaves of green salad, with their slightly bitter aroma, combine perfectly with other ingredients, offering a balance of flavors. The soup is not only a nourishing dish but also a way to make the most of fresh vegetables and greens.

Ingredients needed:

- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 bunch of green garlic
- 3 heads of green salad
- 100-150 g of ham, bacon, or another type of smoked meat
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil
- 200 ml of sour cream
- 3 egg yolks
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika, vegetable seasoning (optional), lemon salt

Preparing the green salad soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by thoroughly washing all the vegetables. Chop the green onions and green garlic into small pieces, and finely slice the green salad to soften it during cooking. This step is essential as uniform cutting will ensure even cooking.

2. Sautéing the meat: In a large pot, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chosen ham or meat and sauté until it turns golden and crispy. This step will add a savory flavor to the soup, providing a pleasant contrast to the green salad.

3. Adding the onions and garlic: Once the meat is ready, add the chopped green onions and green garlic. Sauté them together with the meat for a few minutes until they become tender and their aroma is released. This mixture will form the flavorful base of the soup.

4. Including the salad: Now it’s time to add the chopped green salad. Gently stir to avoid breaking the leaves. Allow the salad to soften for a few minutes - you don’t want to cook it too much to preserve those essential vitamins.

5. Adding water: Once the salad has softened, add 2 liters of water. Cover the pot with a lid and let it boil for about 15 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the soup will achieve a pleasant consistency.

6. Seasoning: At this stage, it’s important to season the soup to taste. Add salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and if desired, a pinch of vegetable seasoning. Don’t forget to add a bit of lemon salt to enhance the flavors.

7. Creaming with sour cream: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with a fork and add the sour cream. Pour a ladle of hot soup liquid into the mixture of yolks and sour cream, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Then, pour the mixture back into the pot with the soup. This will provide a creamy texture and rich flavor.

8. Finalizing the soup: Let the soup simmer for another minute, then turn off the heat. The green salad soup is now ready to be served!

Serving suggestions:

To add an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle some crunchy croutons or toasted seeds on top of the soup. You can accompany this dish with a slice of fresh bread or a simple salad of tomatoes and cucumbers, which will perfectly complement the meal. Green salad soup pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade to balance the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:

Green salad is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. It contributes to maintaining skin health, strengthening the immune system, and improving digestion. Green garlic and onions add a boost of nutrients and active compounds beneficial for health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of greens?
Yes, you can experiment with various types of salad greens, such as arugula or spinach, to add different flavors.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a little chopped hot pepper or a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick.

3. Is green salad soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can omit the meat and replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative.

4. How long can the soup be stored?
The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

5. How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor.

Try this simple and quick recipe for green salad soup and let yourself be carried away by pleasant memories and refreshing flavors. It will surely become a favorite in your kitchen! Enjoy!