Leek soup sour with lemon juice

Sour Leek Soup with Lemon Juice

If you're looking for a refreshing soup, full of flavors and with a subtle taste, you've come to the right place! Sour leek soup with lemon juice is an easy-to-make recipe that brings a touch of freshness and vitality to every bowl. This recipe is not just a delicious meal, but also a healthy choice, rich in nutrients, perfect for cool days or for moments when you want to indulge in something comforting.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

The history of leek soup is closely tied to the culinary traditions of many cultures, where seasonal vegetables are transformed into delicious and nourishing soups. Leeks, a vegetable with a delicate flavor, are often used in soups and broths due to their crunchy texture and subtle aromas. Lemon, on the other hand, adds a sour note, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the vegetables and creating a memorable tasting experience.

Ingredients:
- 1 piece of leek (approximately 300 g)
- 2-3 green onions
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 small carrot
- Fresh parsley leaves (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for a touch of exoticism)
- 1 tablespoon starch (optional, to thicken the soup)
- 200 ml sour cream
- 50 g grated cheese
- Juice of one lemon (approximately 50 ml)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning the leek. Remove the outer leaves that may be damaged and cut off the top, leaving only the white and green bulbs. Wash the leek under cold running water to remove any impurities. Once cleaned, slice it into rounds, then split each round in half to get smaller pieces.

Clean and finely chop the green onions. Also, peel the garlic and mince it. The peeled carrot will be grated on a small grater to easily integrate into the soup.

2. Cooking the vegetables:
In a medium pot, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and heat them over medium heat. Add the grated carrot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly soft and changes color to orange. This step is essential to reveal the natural flavor of the carrot.

Add the green onions and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced leek. Mix all the ingredients well and let them sauté for 3-4 minutes until the leek becomes slightly soft and the flavors combine.

3. Boiling the soup:
Fill with water (approximately 1-1.5 liters, depending on how concentrated you want the soup) and add salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup boil for 15-20 minutes until all the vegetables are cooked and tender. Be careful not to overcook the leek, as it can become mushy and lose its desired texture.

4. Preparing the cream mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with the lemon juice, starch (if you choose to use it), and a ladle of the hot soup. This technique will help temper the sour cream, preventing lumps when you add it to the soup.

5. Finalizing the soup:
Once the vegetables are cooked, reduce the heat under the soup and add the cream mixture. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients and let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

6. Serving:
The sour leek soup is served hot, garnished with grated cheese and fresh parsley leaves. You can also add an extra splash of lemon juice for added freshness. This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can include some spices like cumin or turmeric. These not only provide an interesting taste but also nutritional benefits.
- The leek soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it over low heat, adding a little water if necessary.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or bell peppers, to further diversify the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
Leeks are a vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals, having a high fiber content, making them ideal for digestion. Also, lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C, contributing to strengthening the immune system. This soup is not only delicious but also healthy, providing essential nutrients in your diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace sour cream with a plant-based alternative?
Yes, you can use soy sour cream or any similar product to keep the recipe vegan.

- How can I thicken the soup without starch?
You can use boiled and mashed potatoes or let the soup boil longer to reduce it.

- What other recipes pair well with leek soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with a raw vegetable salad or a vegetable tart. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine can wonderfully complement the meal.

Whether you're making it for a quiet evening at home or to impress guests, sour leek soup with lemon juice is an inspired choice. Enjoy!