Lamb's quarters soup

Lamb's lettuce soup - A savory recipe for greens lovers

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Lamb's lettuce soup is a traditional dish, full of freshness and flavors, perfect for warm spring or summer days. This delicious soup combines the delicate taste of lamb's lettuce with fresh vegetables, offering not only a culinary delight but also an explosion of nutrients. Lamb's lettuce is rich in vitamins and minerals, and this dish is an excellent way to include it in your daily diet.

Necessary ingredients:

- 4 medium onions, finely chopped – for an aromatic taste
- 1 carrot, finely grated – for sweetness
- 1 parsnip, finely grated – a note of flavor
- 50 g rice – for consistency
- 50 ml oil – for sautéing
- 6 bunches of lamb's lettuce, washed and chopped – the star of this dish
- 1 l borscht – for acidity and a pleasant taste
- 200 ml canned tomatoes with peppers – for an extra flavor
- 1 tablespoon Delikat vegetable seasoning – for an intense taste
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh lovage, for garnish – an aromatic accent

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning and washing the lamb's lettuce well. Cut the leaves into small pieces so that they integrate better into the soup. Chop the onion finely, and grate the carrot and parsnip on a fine grater. Rinse the rice under cold running water to remove the starch.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and, to enhance the aroma, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sautéing the onion with salt helps release its juices, making it sweeter and more aromatic. After about 2-3 minutes, add the grated carrot and parsnip. Continue sautéing the vegetables for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Adding the rice: Once the vegetables have softened, add the rinsed rice and mix well, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the vegetables for about 2 minutes. This will give the soup a pleasant texture and make it more substantial.

4. Boiling the soup: Carefully pour 3 liters of water into the pot and add 1 tablespoon of Delikat vegetable seasoning. Cover the pot and let it boil over high heat. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. This is the perfect time to enjoy the intoxicating aroma of the mingling vegetables.

5. Adding the lamb's lettuce: When the rice is almost cooked, add the chopped lamb's lettuce. It will soften quickly, bringing a fresh taste to the soup. Let it simmer together for another 10 minutes.

6. Finalizing the soup: After 10 minutes, add the canned tomatoes with peppers and the borscht. These will add a pleasant acidity and a vibrant color. Let it boil for another 10 minutes for all the flavors to combine perfectly.

7. Serving: Lamb's lettuce soup is served hot, but I prefer it cold, garnished with freshly chopped lovage. This adds a pleasant contrast to the comforting taste of the soup.

Practical tips:

- Vegan option: For a vegan lamb's lettuce soup, you can replace Delikat with a mix of spices like salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Storage: The soup can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is best consumed fresh to benefit from all the nutrients.
- Thickening the soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add more rice or, alternatively, a vegetable puree.

Delicious combinations:

Lamb's lettuce soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. Additionally, a glass of white wine or freshly squeezed lemon juice will enhance the flavors of the dish.

Nutritional information:

A serving of lamb's lettuce soup (approximately 300 ml) contains about 150-200 calories, making it a healthy choice, rich in fiber and vitamins. It is an excellent source of antioxidants due to the vegetables and tomatoes, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

Can I use other vegetables instead of lamb's lettuce?
Of course! This recipe is versatile, and other leafy greens like spinach or nettles can be used instead of lamb's lettuce, although the taste will vary.

How can I keep the soup longer?
The soup can be frozen in individual portions. This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish at any time of the year.

A personal note:

Reminiscing about my childhood, lamb's lettuce soup was made for me by my grandmother, and its aroma has always accompanied me. Each serving reminds me of warm summer days spent on the porch, savoring a soup that blends tradition with health.

So, I encourage you to try this simple yet flavorful recipe and delight your family with a dish that brings not only taste but also a story. Bon appétit!