Lenten soup with lamb's quarters

Post Soup with Lamb's Quarters – A Healthy and Comforting Delicacy

Post soup with lamb's quarters is a traditional dish cherished by generations, bringing a note of freshness and vitality to our meals. This simple recipe is not only easy to prepare but also filled with healthy vegetables, ideal for fasting periods or for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet. The flavors blend harmoniously, resulting in a warm soup, perfect for chilly days.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Number of Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 2 dried onions
- 1 carrot
- 2 tomatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons of soup vegetables (carrots, peppers, celery, or a mix, as preferred)
- 2 large potatoes
- 1 bunch of fresh lamb's quarters
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of lemon salt

Necessary Utensils:

- A large pot
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A grater
- A wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by chopping the onion into thin scales. This will form the flavorful base of the soup. Peel the carrot and cut it into thick strips. The tomatoes need to be peeled (you can blanch them to remove the skin more easily) and grated. Cut the potatoes into large cubes, and chop the lamb's quarters finely.

2. Sauté the Onion: In a large pot, heat a little oil (about 2-3 tablespoons). Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt. The salt helps to release the juices from the onion, making it sweeter and more aromatic. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent.

3. Add the Carrot and Soup Vegetables: Once the onion is ready, add the carrot and soup vegetables. Continue to sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Incorporate the Tomatoes and Potatoes: Add the grated tomatoes and mix well. The tomatoes will add a sweet and sour flavor to your soup. After 2-3 minutes, add the cubed potatoes. Gently stir to combine the ingredients.

5. Boil the Soup: Fill the pot with water, leaving enough space to avoid spillage during boiling. Bring to a boil. When the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

6. Sour the Soup: About 5 minutes before turning off the heat, you can sour the soup with a pinch of lemon salt, which will add a revitalizing taste and intensify the flavors. Stir well.

7. Finishing Touch: Turn off the heat and sprinkle finely chopped dill and parsley. These herbs will add a note of freshness to your soup.

Serving

Post soup with lamb's quarters is served hot, alongside a slice of freshly baked homemade bread. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of plant-based cream for extra creaminess if you are not fasting.

Useful Tips:

- Soup Vegetables: You can use homemade soup vegetables made from preserved vegetables, which will add a richer taste to the dish.
- Variations: If you want to try another vegetable, you can add zucchini or green beans. Additionally, instead of lamb's quarters, you can use spinach or nettles.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This soup is low in calories, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is an excellent choice for detoxification and maintaining a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or even mushrooms to diversify the flavor.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a chopped chili pepper or a splash of hot sauce at the end of the preparation.

3. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the soup is completely vegan, perfect for those following a plant-based diet.

4. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.

Personal Story:

Post soup with lamb's quarters reminds me of my childhood when my grandmother lovingly prepared it, and the inviting smell of sautéed vegetables filled the entire house. It was a tradition to gather around the table and savor this delicacy, each spoonful full of love and memories. I encourage you to keep these traditions alive and enjoy the moments spent with loved ones, relishing a warm and comforting soup.

Enjoy your meal and savor every bite of this post soup with lamb's quarters!