Lenten soup with orache

Lentil soup with lamb's quarters - A comforting and vitamin-rich recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 - 40 minutes
Total time: 50 - 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

I propose a recipe for lentil soup with lamb's quarters, a delicious and healthy dish, perfect for days when you want to enjoy a light and nourishing meal. With simple and accessible ingredients, this soup is a perfect example of how you can transform fresh vegetables into a culinary masterpiece.

A bit of history
Lamb's quarters soup has deep roots in culinary traditions, being an ancient dish that has been adapted over time. Lamb's quarters, a plant rich in vitamins and minerals, was often used during fasting periods due to its nutritional value. This soup is not only a healthy choice but also a way to bring a touch of nature to your plate, full of vibrant flavors and colors.

Ingredients
- 2 dried onions (approximately 200g)
- 1 carrot (approximately 100g)
- 2 tomatoes (approximately 150g)
- 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable mix for soup
- 2 medium potatoes (approximately 300g)
- 1 bunch of lamb's quarters (approximately 150g)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 pinch of lemon salt

Necessary utensils
- A large deep pot
- A sharp knife
- A grater
- A wooden spoon
- A measuring spoon

Step by step in preparing lamb's quarters soup

1. Prepare the ingredients
Start by peeling and chopping the onion into small pieces. Uniformly cutting the onion will help achieve even cooking. Peel the carrot and cut it into thick strips, and peel the tomatoes (you can use a simple method: blanch them in hot water for a few minutes, then transfer them to cold water to remove the skin more easily). Cut the potatoes into large cubes, and chop the lamb's quarters finely.

2. Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt. The salt helps release the juices from the onion, making it sweeter and more aromatic. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

3. Add the carrot and vegetable mix
After the onion is sautéed, add the chopped carrot and the vegetable mix for the soup. Sauté together for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Incorporate the tomatoes and potatoes
Add the peeled and grated tomatoes, mixing well to combine the flavors. Then, add the large diced potatoes and mix everything to coat with the vegetable flavors.

5. Add water and let it boil
Fill the pot with water (approximately 1.5 liters, depending on the desired consistency) and bring everything to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.

6. Add the lamb's quarters
When the potatoes are almost done, add the finely chopped lamb's quarters. Let the soup boil for another 5-7 minutes. Lamb's quarters cook quickly, so don't leave it on the heat for too long to preserve its vitamins and vibrant color.

7. Season the soup
At the end, you can add a pinch of lemon salt to give a touch of freshness to the soup. This is optional, but if you prefer a less sour soup, you can skip this step.

8. Add the greens
Turn off the heat and sprinkle finely chopped fresh lovage and parsley. These fresh herbs will add a wonderful aroma and enhance the flavor of the dish.

Serving
Lentil soup with lamb's quarters is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or croutons. It is an excellent choice for a lunch or dinner, as it is rich in fiber and vitamins but low in calories. A serving of soup contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Variations and useful tips
- You can add other vegetables according to your preferences, such as celery or bell peppers.
- If you like a spicier soup, add a few thin slices of hot pepper.
- The soup can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be frozen for later use.
- This soup pairs perfectly with a cold lemonade or herbal tea.

Frequently asked questions
- Is the lentil soup with lamb's quarters vegan? Yes, all ingredients are plant-based.
- Can I replace lamb's quarters with another ingredient? Yes, you can use spinach or nettles if you can't find lamb's quarters.
- How long does the soup last in the fridge? The soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days.

This lentil soup with lamb's quarters is not only a simple and quick recipe but also an excellent way to enrich your diet with fresh and healthy vegetables. Enjoy every spoonful of this culinary delicacy and savor its nutritional benefits! Enjoy your meal!