Lamb soup recipe

Lamb soup is a traditional recipe, cherished in many corners of the world, especially during the Easter holidays. This flavorful soup, rich in taste and nutrients, pays tribute to fresh ingredients, and each spoonful takes you on an unforgettable culinary journey. Moreover, preparing this soup is an activity that brings family and friends together, making you feel connected to traditions and the beautiful moments spent together.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1 kg lamb meat and bones (ideal for a rich soup)
- 2 carrots (for sweetness and color)
- 1 parsnip root (an ingredient with a distinct flavor)
- 1 parsley root (for a fresh taste)
- 1/2 celery (for a deep aroma)
- 3 bunches of green onions (for an extra freshness)
- 1 liter of borscht (or to taste, to add acidity)
- 2 egg yolks (for creaminess)
- 4 tablespoons sour cream (for a rich flavor)
- 2 tablespoons oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
- 1 bunch of lovage (to intensify the flavor)
- 1 bunch of dill (for a fresh taste)
- 1 bunch of parsley (for garnish and flavor)
- Vegeta (or salt, to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)

Step by step in preparing lamb soup:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cleaning the lamb meat from any impurities. Rinse the pieces well under cold running water. This step is essential for obtaining a clear and tasty soup. Place the meat in a large pot with cold water and bring to a boil.

2. Initial boiling: Once the water has started to boil and foam forms on the surface, discard the water and rinse the meat again. This will help eliminate impurities that could affect the taste. Now, add fresh water to the pot and let the meat boil for 30-35 minutes.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the meat is boiling, clean and chop the vegetables. The carrots can be sliced into rounds, and the parsley and parsnip roots can be diced into small cubes. The green onions can be finely chopped. These vegetables will add wonderful flavor and aroma to the soup.

4. Sautéing the vegetables: In another pot, heat the oil and add the chopped vegetables. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps intensify the flavors and release the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

5. Combining the ingredients: After the meat is boiled, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Pour the broth in which the meat boiled over the sautéed vegetables and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will become tender and full of flavor.

6. Adding the meat: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the meat cut into pieces. Pour in the borscht and let it boil for another 10 minutes. You can adjust the soup's acidity by adding more or less borscht, depending on your preferences.

7. Finalizing the soup: In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sour cream. This is the secret to a creamy and delicious soup! Add 2-3 ladles of hot soup to the egg yolk and sour cream mixture, stirring constantly to prevent coagulation. Then, pour this mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring well.

8. Seasoning: Add the pepper, vegeta (or salt), and chopped greens (lovage, dill, parsley). Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Let it come to a final boil, then turn off the heat.

9. Serving: Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. It is served hot, with green onions or garlic on the side for an extra flavor. A slice of fresh bread will perfectly complement the meal.

Useful tips and variations:
- Adding homemade noodles: If you want to turn the soup into a heartier meal, you can add homemade noodles in the last minutes of boiling. They will soften quickly and add a pleasant texture.
- Customizing with vegetables: You can experiment and add other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to vary the flavor and bring more nutrients into the soup.
- Lamb soup with influences: Depending on your preferences, you can add spices like cumin or sweet paprika to transform the soup into a unique experience.

Nutritional benefits:
Lamb soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Lamb is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, such as zinc and iron, essential for the proper functioning of the body. The added vegetables contribute to fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this soup an excellent nutritional choice.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use beef or chicken, but the taste will be different. Lamb soup has a unique character due to its distinct flavors.

2. Can the soup be frozen?
Yes, lamb soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add sour cream at the time of freezing. You can add sour cream after thawing and reheating.

3. What other dishes can it be combined with?
Lamb soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of polenta, which will perfectly complement the sour taste of the soup.

A personal detail:
This lamb soup recipe reminds me of the holidays spent with family when my grandmother would gather us all around the table, and the aroma of the soup would fill the entire house. It is a recipe that brings not only food but also stories and sweet memories that we will always carry in our hearts.

Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, lamb soup will always be an excellent choice. Enjoy your meal!