Green tomato soup

Green Tomato Borscht: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Green tomato borscht is a Romanian delicacy, perfect for cool days or a flavorful lunch. This simple and quick recipe will bring a splash of color and freshness to your plate, and its tangy taste will delight you. Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced enthusiast, I will guide you step by step to achieve the perfect borscht.

Ingredients:
- 600 g green tomatoes (preferably firm and green)
- 3-4 medium potatoes
- 3-4 carrots
- 2 onions
- 1 beetroot (optional, for a more vibrant color)
- Celery leaves (about one bunch)
- Salt, pepper, oil (3 tablespoons), and of course, borscht (or cabbage juice, for a more intense flavor)

Preparation:
1. Start by peeling and chopping all the vegetables. The green tomatoes can be diced or sliced, according to your preference. Potatoes and carrots can be cut into cubes or rounds, and the onion should be finely chopped. The beetroot, if you choose to use it, can be cut into small cubes.

2. In a large pot, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will add a delicious aroma to your borscht.

3. Add the chopped green tomatoes and continue to sauté the mixture for another 5-7 minutes. This step is essential to intensify the flavors and prepare the vegetables for boiling.

4. Once the green tomatoes have softened slightly, add the 2 liters of water and let it boil over medium heat. After 10 minutes, you can add the diced potatoes and carrots. These vegetables will blend perfectly with the tangy taste of the green tomatoes.

5. Let the borscht boil for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 5 minutes before removing it from the heat, you can add the beetroot, if you chose to use it, and the finely chopped celery leaves.

6. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a more sour borscht, you can add more borscht or cabbage juice, depending on your preferences.

Practical tips:
- Replace the green tomatoes with ripe tomatoes for a sweeter borscht, especially in the summer season.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the recipe.
- Green tomato borscht pairs wonderfully with creamy sour cream or toasted bread croutons, adding a crunchy texture.

Serving:
Serve the borscht hot, garnished with fresh celery leaves. It is ideal to be enjoyed alongside a slice of homemade bread, freshly baked. This green tomato borscht recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious, offering an explosion of flavors and colors in every bowl.

By experimenting with ingredients and flavors, you will discover that green tomato borscht can quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy your meal!