Green salad soup

Green Salad Soup with Smoked Ham - A Springtime Delicacy

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

In a world full of elaborate recipes, sometimes we feel the need to return to simple yet flavorful essences. Green salad soup with smoked ham is a perfect example of a dish that combines fresh ingredients with rich flavors, providing us with a comforting and healthy meal. This recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but it also reminds us of the joys of spring when nature spoils us with fresh and fragrant vegetables.

History and Tradition

Green salad soup is a recipe that has traveled through time, being adapted in many culinary cultures. Whether prepared to use garden vegetables or to offer a light and delicious lunch, this soup has become a classic in many households. The smoked ham adds a savory taste and a pleasant consistency, making this dish a perfect choice for cool days or a quick and nourishing lunch.

Necessary Ingredients

- 2 fresh green salads
- 250 g smoked ham (you can also use chicken or turkey)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 chicken broth cube
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 small bunch of parsley
- 1 small bunch of dill
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 250 ml milk
- Oil for frying
- 1.5 l water
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step in Preparing the Soup

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the salads well under cold water. Cut them into strips that are not too small, allowing them to keep some volume. Also, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips, and chop the onion and garlic finely. If using ham, cut it into thin strips.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, add a few tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the red bell pepper and smoked ham. Continue to fry the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the ham becomes slightly crispy.

3. Add salad and water: Now is the time to add the salad. Mix well to combine the flavors, then pour the water into the pot. Add the chicken broth cube, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend.

4. Preparing the thickening: In a separate cup, mix the flour with the milk until you obtain a smooth paste. Add a few tablespoons of the soup to this mixture to dilute it, then pour the mixture into the pot, stirring constantly. Continue to boil the soup for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. Finalizing and serving: Before serving, chop the parsley and dill finely and add them to the soup. Mix well and let the soup sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. You can adjust the taste with salt and pepper as desired.

Serving and Suggestions

Green salad soup with smoked ham is delicious served hot, but you can adapt it to your tastes. An interesting variation would be to add a soft-boiled egg, which will enrich the texture and provide a note of freshness.

To complete the meal, you can pair the soup with a slice of fresh bread or toasted bread croutons. A simple salad of tomatoes and cucumbers on the side will bring a refreshing note. You can enjoy this soup with a refreshing drink, such as mint tea or fresh citrus juice.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Green salad is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, while parsley and dill add antioxidants and essential minerals. Smoked ham provides quality protein, and milk adds calcium.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! You can replace the ham with chicken or turkey. Also, for a vegetarian option, omitting the meat is perfect.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add chili peppers or spices like paprika to achieve a spicy flavor.

3. Can the soup be frozen?
While it is recommended to consume the soup fresh, you can freeze individual portions. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.

4. How can I vary the ingredients?
Replace the green salad with other types of greens, such as spinach or arugula. You can also add vegetables like carrots or zucchini to diversify the recipe.

I hope this green salad soup recipe with smoked ham inspires you to enjoy cooking and explore new flavors in your kitchen. Don't forget to bring your personal touch to each recipe, as food cooked with love always tastes better! Enjoy your meal!