Lamb's quarters soup

Light Spring Soup with Lamb's Lettuce and Fresh Vegetables

When spring arrives, nature comes back to life and brings us a wealth of fresh and delicious ingredients. This lamb's lettuce soup is not just a simple recipe, but a true celebration of the season, full of vibrant flavors and colors. So, let's embark on a culinary journey to prepare a wonderful, light soup that will bring a smile to the faces of our loved ones.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 3 carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 bunch of red lamb's lettuce
- 1 bunch of white lamb's lettuce
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 bunch of wild garlic
- 1 bunch of sorrel
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 1 bunch of lovage
- 1 cup of long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons of roasted pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon of savory balls
- 500 ml of cabbage juice or borscht

Preparation:

1. Start with the vegetables: Wash all the vegetables well. Peel the carrots and cut them into rounds, while the bell pepper can be diced. These will form the base of your soup and add a sweet taste and pleasant texture.

2. Heat the oil: In a large pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Extra virgin olive oil not only adds flavor but is also a source of healthy fats.

3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the carrots and diced bell pepper to the heated oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, add the chopped green onions in pieces of about 1 cm. Continue to sauté for another 2 minutes, until the vegetables become slightly soft.

4. Boiling the vegetables: Add about 1.5-2 liters of hot water to the pot, allowing the vegetables to boil for 20 minutes. This step will help extract flavors from the vegetables and create a tasty base for the soup.

5. Preparing the greens: Meanwhile, wash and cut the lamb's lettuce, wild garlic, and sorrel into strips. These green plants are rich in vitamins and minerals, adding freshness to your soup.

6. Adding the greens: After 20 minutes of boiling, add the chopped lamb's lettuce, wild garlic, and sorrel, as well as the rinsed rice. Continue to boil the soup for 12-15 minutes, until the rice is nearly cooked. The rice will absorb the flavors of the vegetables and add consistency to the soup.

7. Seasoning: Now it's time to add the roasted pepper paste and savory balls. These ingredients will intensify the flavor of the soup. Depending on your preferences, you can add cabbage juice or borscht to give it a sour taste. Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked.

8. Finalizing: Turn off the heat and add the finely chopped parsley and lovage. These fresh herbs will give a final touch of flavor and color to your soup.

9. Serving: The soup can be served hot or cold, depending on your preferences. A delicious option is to accompany it with sour cream or yogurt if you are not following a fasting diet. These will add a pleasant creaminess and balance the acidity of the soup.

Practical tips:
- Variety of vegetables: You can experiment with other spring vegetables, such as spinach or even nettles, to vary the flavor and texture of the soup.
- Rice: Make sure to rinse the rice in cold water to remove excess starch, which will prevent the soup from becoming too sticky.
- Fasting food: This soup is an excellent choice for those who are fasting, due to its easily found and healthy ingredients.

Nutritional benefits:
Lamb's lettuce soup is full of essential nutrients, being rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as important minerals like iron and calcium. It is a hearty yet light dish, perfect for revitalizing the body after a long winter.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of rice? Of course! Basmati or whole grain rice can be an excellent choice, but the cooking time may vary.
- How long can the soup be stored? The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
- What is the best way to reheat it? Reheat the soup over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to maintain its consistency.

This lamb's lettuce soup is more than just a simple recipe - it is a way to celebrate spring and embrace fresh and healthy ingredients. Enjoy every spoonful and delight in the health and energy it brings!