Leek soup with vegetables

Leek Soup with Vegetables

Leek soup with vegetables is a savory recipe, perfect for those who want to enjoy a fasting dish, but also for lovers of healthy food. This soup, full of flavors and textures, is easy to prepare and can quickly become a family favorite. With a mix of fresh vegetables and leeks, each serving is not only tasty but also nutritious.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 leeks (approximately 400 g)
- 2 medium carrots (approximately 150 g)
- 4 medium potatoes (approximately 600 g)
- 1 bell pepper (approximately 150 g)
- 1 small piece of celery (approximately 100 g)
- 2 tablespoons of rice (approximately 40 g)
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste (approximately 60 g)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (approximately 45 ml)
- 2.5 liters of water
- 500 ml of borscht
- 1 bunch of dill (approximately 30 g)
- 1 bunch of parsley (approximately 30 g)
- 1 bunch of lovage (approximately 30 g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparing the leek soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing all the vegetables well. Peel the carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and celery, then cut them into small cubes (approximately 1-2 cm). Wash the leeks and slice them into thin rounds, making sure to remove any damaged green parts.

2. Sautéing the leeks:
In a large pot, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and a little water (approximately 50 ml) to prevent burning. When the oil is heated, add the sliced leeks and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly soft and release their aroma.

3. Boiling the vegetables:
After the leeks have softened, add the carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and celery to the pot. All these vegetables will add a delicious flavor to your soup. Add 2.5 liters of water and let it boil over medium heat. When the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let the vegetables simmer for 10-15 minutes.

4. Adding the rice:
When the vegetables are half-cooked, add the washed rice. This will thicken the soup and give it a pleasant texture. Continue to simmer over low heat.

5. Preparing the borscht:
In a small pot, add the borscht and bring it to a boil, then turn off the heat. This step is essential to avoid interrupting the boiling process of the soup when adding the borscht.

6. Finalizing the soup:
After the rice is cooked (approximately 10 minutes), add the boiled borscht to the pot, along with the 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes.

7. Adding the herbs:
Turn off the heat and add the finely chopped herbs: dill, parsley, and lovage. These will add a fresh aroma to your soup. Cover the pot and let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving.

Useful tips for a perfect result:
- Use fresh vegetables for a more intense flavor. Leek soup with vegetables is an excellent recipe to make the most of seasonal vegetables.
- You can substitute rice with quinoa or small pasta to add a different note. You can also add other favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans.
- The soup can be served with a spoonful of plant-based sour cream to add creaminess, making it even more delicious.

Delicious pairings:
This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade bread, freshly baked, or with flavored croutons. You can also accompany it with a glass of dry white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade, which will provide a pleasant contrast to the soup's flavor.

Nutritional information:
This soup is low in calories, with approximately 150 calories per serving. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. Leeks are a good source of vitamin K and folic acid, while the vegetables provide a varied intake of essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can leek soup be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but I recommend leaving it without borscht until thawing. Add the borscht after you have thawed the soup and boiled it again.

- Can I use store-bought borscht?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use store-bought borscht, but make sure it is natural and without additives.

- How long can the soup be stored in the fridge?
The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, in an airtight container. Make sure to reheat it well before consuming.

Leek soup with vegetables is not just a fasting recipe, but also a delicious way to indulge your taste buds with fresh and healthy flavors. Prepare it with love and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!