Green salad soup

Green salad soup is a simple yet delicious recipe that evokes warm and nostalgic childhood memories. It is a dish that reminds us of family meals, grandma's care, and fresh, flavorful ingredients. This soup has a delicate taste, combining the fine notes of sour cream with a slight bitterness of the salad, while the vinegar provides a pleasant acidity. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare this wonderful soup!

Preparation time:
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 large head of fresh green salad
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of lard (or olive oil for a lighter version)
- 4 tablespoons of sour cream (choose a high-fat sour cream for a creamy texture)
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- Salt, to taste
- Vinegar, to taste (apple cider vinegar is ideal for a milder flavor)

Ingredient details:
Green salad is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with a low caloric content, making it ideal for light meals. Garlic adds not only a flavorful taste but also numerous health benefits, having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Sour cream, on the other hand, provides a pleasant creaminess to soups, adding extra flavor.

Step by step:
1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the garlic. Chop it finely or crush it so that the aroma is better released into the soup. Then, wash the green salad well under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. Let it drain.

2. Boiling the base
In a large pot, add a small amount of water (about 1 liter). Place it over medium heat and add the tablespoon of lard (or oil, if you prefer). When the lard melts, add the garlic and let it brown slightly, being careful not to burn it. This will add a pleasant aroma to our soup.

3. Adding the salad
Once the garlic has softened a bit, add the green salad to the pot. Mix well to combine with the flavors. Now is the time to add salt, to taste. Let the salad boil for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft.

4. Preparing the sour cream
In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with the tablespoon of flour. This step is essential to avoid lumps in the soup. Use a whisk to achieve a smooth mixture. Then, take a few ladles of the hot soup and gradually pour them into the bowl with the sour cream, stirring continuously. This will temper the sour cream, preparing it to be integrated into the soup.

5. Finishing the soup
After tempering the sour cream, pour the mixture into the pot with the soup. Mix well and let it boil for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to blend. Finally, add the vinegar to taste; start with a teaspoon and adjust according to your preferences.

6. Serving
Serve the soup hot, garnished with crispy croutons or a fresh parsley leaf for a more elegant look. Offer a slice of toasted bread alongside to complete the meal.

Tips and variations:
- If you want a spicier version, add a finely chopped chili pepper along with the garlic.
- Try adding some extra vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to enrich the soup's flavor.
- For a richer taste, replace the lard with butter and add a few fresh basil leaves to the soup before serving.

Nutritional benefits:
This green salad soup contains approximately 150 calories per serving, depending on the amount of sour cream used. It is an excellent option for a light meal, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. Ideal for a balanced diet, this soup can be served as an appetizer or as a main course alongside a salad.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of salad for this soup?
Yes, you can experiment with other types of salad, such as romaine or frisée, to achieve different flavors.

2. Is it possible to make the soup without sour cream?
Yes, if you want a lighter version, you can omit the sour cream or replace it with Greek yogurt for a similar texture.

3. How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container.

In conclusion, this green salad soup is not only easy to prepare but also extremely tasty and comforting. It is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a delicious and healthy meal. Enjoy and happy cooking!