Lamb's quarters soup

Lamb's Quarters Soup – a traditional recipe, full of flavors and colors

Lamb's quarters soup is a classic dish that brings a touch of freshness and vitality to every plate. This soup is not only full of healthy vegetables but also filled with childhood memories when our grandmothers prepared these delights on cool days. Moreover, lamb's quarters, with its nutrient-rich leaves, makes this recipe an excellent choice for a nourishing and delicious meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 2.5-3 liters veal broth (or water for a vegetarian option)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 parsley root, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- 3-4 tomatoes, peeled and diced
- A bunch of white lamb's quarters
- A bunch of red lamb's quarters
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 60 g noodles (a small bag from Maggi)
- Salt, to taste
- Cabbage juice or borscht, to preference
- A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- A bunch of celery leaves, chopped

Preparation steps:

1. Heating the oil: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. It is important to use quality olive oil to add a subtle flavor to your dish.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This is the moment to add the carrots and parsley root. Continue to sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Adding the tomatoes: Add the peeled and diced tomatoes. They will bring extra freshness and a sweet taste to your soup. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly and integrate with the other vegetables.

4. Adding the broth: Pour the veal broth (or water) into the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients. Let it boil over medium heat until the vegetables are cooked, about 15-20 minutes.

5. Preparing the lamb's quarters: Meanwhile, wash the white and red lamb's quarters well, then cut them into larger pieces. Add the lamb's quarters to the soup and let it simmer together for another 10 minutes. The lamb's quarters leaves will add a note of acidity and a distinctive taste that is highly appreciated.

6. Noodles and finishing: Add the noodles to the soup and let it boil until cooked, about 5-7 minutes. At this point, you can add cabbage juice or borscht, depending on how sour you want your soup. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.

7. Serving: Turn off the heat and add the finely chopped parsley and celery. These will add extra freshness. Serve the soup hot, with a slice of fresh bread or polenta, for a true feast.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of flavor, you can sprinkle a little ground pepper or sweet paprika before serving.
- Lamb's quarters soup keeps well in the refrigerator, and the taste improves as it sits, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch.
- You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to customize the recipe to your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables. Lamb's quarters is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, helping the immune system. Additionally, the veal broth provides a protein boost, essential for muscle development.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Of course! If you don't have fresh vegetables on hand, frozen vegetables are an excellent alternative.

- How can I make the soup thicker?
If you want a thicker soup, you can add diced potatoes or increase the amount of noodles.

- What other recipes can be combined with lamb's quarters soup?
Lamb's quarters soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a cheese platter. A cold drink, such as a fruit smoothie, will perfectly complement the meal.

This lamb's quarters soup recipe is perfect for cool days and brings an authentic and comforting taste. With every spoonful, you will enjoy the flavor of fresh vegetables and the unmistakable aroma of traditional soups. Enjoy your meal!