Lamb's lettuce soup served with croutons

Loboda Soup – a fresh and flavorful fasting recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Loboda soup is a dish that evokes pleasant childhood memories, when our grandmothers spent their mornings gathering fresh plants from the garden. This fasting soup is not just a nourishing meal, but also a symbol of culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. Loboda, a plant with green and red leaves, is rich in vitamins and minerals, offering us a unique taste and vibrant color.

Ingredients:
- 2 green onions
- 2 large carrots
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 500 g green and red loboda leaves
- Salt to taste
- 2 l still water
- 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon pepper paste (optional, for a more intense flavor)
- 1 bay leaf
- about 200 ml bors (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh lovage
- Fresh dill
- Fresh parsley
- Croutons for serving (store-bought golden pearls or homemade)
- Mustard seeds for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning and washing the loboda leaves thoroughly. It is essential to rinse them in several waters to remove any impurities. After washing, let them drain and cut them into strips.

2. Cleaning the vegetables: The green onions and carrots also require careful cleaning. Wash them under cold running water and chop the onion into rings or small pieces, while grating the carrot.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot. Let them sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot releases its aroma.

4. Adding water: Once the vegetables are sautéed, pour the still water into the pot. Add the mixed peppercorns and salt to taste. Wait for it to reach boiling point.

5. Including the loboda: Once the water starts boiling, add the loboda leaves. Let it boil over medium heat for 15 minutes. This step is crucial to allow the loboda to soften and release its flavor.

6. Adding bors and spices: After 15 minutes, add the bors and bay leaf. Continue to boil the soup for a few more minutes until all ingredients are well combined.

7. Finishing the dish: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the freshly chopped herbs: lovage, dill, and parsley. These will add an extra layer of flavor and freshness.

8. Serving: Serve the loboda soup hot, alongside crispy croutons and, if desired, some mustard seeds for an interesting contrast. Enjoy your meal!

Useful tips:
- Bors variation: If you prefer a more sour and natural bors, you can prepare it from sorrel, which pairs very well with loboda.
- For a more intense flavor: Add a tablespoon of pepper paste for an extra kick. This will enrich the soup's aroma and give it a more vibrant color.
- Attention to loboda: If you cannot find fresh loboda, you can use spinach or nettle leaves as alternatives, although the taste will differ.

Nutritional benefits:
Loboda soup is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as essential minerals. Loboda is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a perfect food for a fasting diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I add meat?: This is a fasting recipe, but if you prefer a meat version, you can add boiled and diced chicken breast.
- What other ingredients can I use?: You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or potatoes, to make the soup heartier.
- Can it be frozen?: Loboda soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add the fresh herbs and bors after thawing to maintain freshness.

Ideal combinations:
This soup pairs excellently with warm homemade bread or pies filled with cheese or vegetables. Additionally, a cold drink, such as fruit compote, will perfectly complement the meal.

I hope this loboda soup recipe brings joy and flavor to your plate, reminding you of the culinary traditions that connect us to our roots. Cooking is an art that deserves to be celebrated, and each ingredient has its own story. Enjoy your meal!