Lamb soup

Lamb Borscht with Vegetables: a warm and comforting recipe

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Welcome to the flavorful world of lamb borscht! This classic recipe is perfect for chilly days or festive meals, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort to every bowl. Food cooked with love and patience has a long history, often associated with moments spent with family and friends.

Ingredients:
- 600 g meat bones from two lamb thighs
- 1 large onion
- 1 large carrot (or 100 g frozen carrot)
- 1 parsnip
- 50 g frozen peas
- 100 g frozen beans
- 400 g tomatoes in juice (or 4 fresh, ripe tomatoes)
- 200 ml borscht (or to taste)
- salt, to taste
- Delikat seasoning, to preference
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped

Preparation:

1. Boiling the bones: Start by washing the lamb bones well under cold running water. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add a tablespoon of salt. Bringing the water to a boil will help remove impurities, so be sure to skim well at the beginning. This is an important technique that will make the borscht clearer and tastier.

2. Preparing the vegetables: While the bones are boiling, peel and chop the vegetables. Dice the onion, grate or slice the carrot, and cut the parsnip into small cubes. At this stage, if you have frozen vegetables, you can use them directly, saving time and effort.

3. Separating the meat: After about an hour of boiling, carefully remove the bones from the pot. Let them cool slightly, then detach the meat from the bones and cut it into small cubes. This step is essential for adding juiciness and flavor to the borscht.

4. Straining the broth: Strain the remaining broth through a fine sieve twice to remove any remnants. Then, return the strained broth to the heat.

5. Adding the vegetables: To the boiling broth, add the onion, carrot, and parsnip. Boil everything for 15 minutes, stirring gently occasionally. This step will allow the vegetables to release their flavors and soften.

6. Including the frozen vegetables: Once the vegetables have boiled, add the peas and frozen beans. These will contribute to a colorful and textured borscht. Continue boiling for another 10 minutes.

7. Finalizing the borscht: When the vegetables are almost done, add the tomatoes in juice (or the fresh tomatoes, diced) and the chopped lamb meat. Now is the time to adjust the taste with salt and Delikat, to preference. Add the borscht and let everything simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld.

8. Serving: Turn off the heat and add the chopped fresh parsley. This will add a touch of freshness and color to your borscht. Serve the borscht hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta, for a complete culinary experience.

Useful tips:
- Choosing the meat: Opt for quality lamb meat, preferably from young animals, as it will have a milder flavor and a more tender texture.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can replace the lamb meat with mushrooms or seasonal vegetables, and instead of borscht, you can use lemon juice for a sour taste.
- Adjusting acidity: The borscht can be adjusted according to preferences, adding more or less borscht. If you prefer a sourer taste, add a few tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This lamb borscht recipe contains protein from the meat, fiber from the vegetables, and antioxidants from the tomatoes. A serving of borscht has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of vegetables and borscht added. It is a nourishing meal, full of vitamins and minerals, that supports the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can lamb borscht be frozen? - Yes, borscht freezes well, but it is recommended not to add the greens until thawed.
2. What other vegetables can I add? - You can experiment with celery, zucchini, or even potatoes. Each vegetable adds a distinct note to the borscht.
3. How can I enhance the flavor? - Adding spices such as sweet paprika or freshly ground black pepper can bring depth to the taste.

Serving suggestions:
Lamb borscht pairs perfectly with fresh sour cream or toasted bread croutons. For a special touch, you can sprinkle some chili flakes or fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy this lamb borscht recipe, an excellent choice to add warmth and comfort on cooler days. It is not just a meal, but an experience that brings people together, as it has been cooked by generations. Bon appétit!