Lamb's quarters soup

Loboda Soup - A Delicacy Full of Flavor and Color

Loboda soup is a traditional dish full of freshness and vitality, perfect for sunny days or moments when we desire a light and nourishing meal. This recipe has deep roots in folk cuisine, where simple ingredients blend to create a comforting soup, rich in vitamins and minerals. Loboda, with its green and red leaves, is the star of this recipe, offering not only a delicate flavor but also a vibrant appearance.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 4 bundles of red loboda
- 1 medium onion
- 3 potatoes (preferably red or yellow)
- 2 carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 4 green onions
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour borscht (to taste)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning the vegetables. Chop the onion into small cubes, slice the carrots into rounds, and cut the potatoes into cubes. The red bell pepper is cut into strips. Tear the loboda leaves into smaller pieces, removing the stems.

2. Washing the loboda:
It is essential to wash the loboda well to remove any impurities. Rinse the leaves under a stream of cold water, then let them drain.

3. Sautéing the onion:
In a large skillet, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This is the moment when the aroma of the onion will combine with the other ingredients, providing a savory base for your soup.

4. Adding the loboda:
Once the onion is sautéed, add the chopped loboda. Let it sauté for a few minutes, stirring constantly. This will reduce its volume and release its aromatic juices.

5. Boiling the vegetables:
In a large pot, add all the cleaned and chopped vegetables: potatoes, carrots, and red bell pepper. Cover them with water (about 2 liters) and put them over medium heat. Boil the vegetables for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are nearly cooked.

6. Integrating the loboda:
Once the vegetables are nearly cooked, add the sautéed loboda to the pot. Mix well to combine the flavors. Let it boil for a few minutes, about 5 minutes.

7. Seasoning:
Now is the time to season the soup. Add salt, pepper, and tomato paste. To taste, you can add sour borscht, which will give the soup a touch of acidity. Let the soup boil for another 2-3 minutes.

8. Finalizing the dish:
Turn off the heat and add the fresh herbs: lovage, dill, and finely chopped parsley. These ingredients will bring a fresh and vibrant aroma to your soup.

9. Serving:
You can serve the soup warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. It is delicious both plain and with a spoonful of sour cream on top for an extra creaminess.

Useful tips:
- Vegan option: If you want a completely plant-based version, you can replace the tomato paste with chopped fresh tomatoes.
- Spicier soup: Add a few slices of hot pepper for a more intense flavor.
- Sour borscht: If you don't have borscht, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to achieve the desired acidity.
- Storage: Loboda soup keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated the next day; it even becomes tastier.

Nutritional information:
This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables: loboda is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and iron. Additionally, carrots provide beta-carotene, while potatoes offer complex carbohydrates, ideal for energy.

Frequently asked questions:
- How long can the soup be stored?
Loboda soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! You can add celery or zucchini for a different taste.
- Is loboda soup suitable for children?
Yes, it is a healthy and tasty option for the whole family.

Recommended pairings:
This soup pairs perfectly with a fresh summer salad or warm polenta. For a complete meal, you can serve it alongside a refreshing lemonade or a dry white wine.

Enjoy this loboda soup recipe, a healthy and flavorful choice that will bring a touch of spring to your plate!