Oltenian lamb's quarters soup

Oltenian sorrel soup: an explosion of freshness and health on your plate

Oltenian sorrel soup is a traditional recipe that brings not only the authentic taste of summer to our table but also a multitude of health benefits. Sorrel, this colorful and nutrient-rich green, is a staple ingredient in Romanian cuisine, especially in spring when we seek to detoxify our bodies and revitalize ourselves.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Nutritional benefits

Sorrel is a true treasure of vitamins, being rich in vitamins A, K, and C. The vitamin C content is about 120-140 mg per 100 g of plant, making it more concentrated than kiwi and lemon. This green has diuretic, laxative, and detoxifying properties, making it ideal for a spring cleanse. Additionally, sorrel contains antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body.

Ingredients

1 kg fresh sorrel
2 medium carrots
3 green onions
2 green garlic stalks
1 bunch of fresh lovage
3 eggs
1 liter of borscht
100 ml sour cream (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the sorrel well under cold running water. Remove the tougher stems and tear the sorrel into strips about 3-4 cm long. This step is essential to ensure a pleasant texture in the soup.

2. Carrots and flavors: Peel the carrots and chop them finely. In a large pot, add the sorrel and carrots, then cover them with water. Boil over medium heat for 15 minutes. This will help extract the flavors from the carrots and provide a sweet taste to the soup.

3. The borscht: After the sorrel and carrots have boiled, add the borscht that has been boiled separately. It is important to add the borscht at the end to preserve its distinctive acidity.

4. Onions and garlic: Finely chop the green onions and garlic, then add them to the pot. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. These ingredients will intensify the flavor of the soup and add a touch of freshness.

5. Egg drops: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a little flour. This mixture will create egg drops in the soup, a detail that will give it an interesting texture. Use a fine strainer and pour the egg mixture into the soup while stirring continuously to obtain these delicate drops. Boil for another 10 minutes.

6. Finalizing the soup: Drizzle a few drops of olive oil, season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn off the heat and add the finely chopped lovage. This will add a fresh and vibrant flavor to your soup.

7. Serving: Serve the soup hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top, if desired. You can also sprinkle some fresh lovage for a more appealing look.

Serving suggestions

Sorrel soup is perfect alongside a slice of fresh, crispy bread. You can also pair it with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade to add a pleasant contrast. If you want an extra flavor boost, you can add toasted croutons or sheep cheese.

Recipe variations

If you want to explore variations of this recipe, you can replace sorrel with other greens, such as spinach or nettles, depending on the season. You can also add diced potatoes to make the soup heartier or use chicken for a more filling version.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen sorrel? Yes, frozen sorrel can be used, but it will be less crunchy. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.

2. How long does the soup keep? Sorrel soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It is even tastier the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

3. Can the soup be made vegan? Yes, you can omit the eggs and sour cream, and the soup will be just as delicious. Add more vegetables to enhance the flavor.

4. What other greens can I add? You can experiment with parsley, dill, or even celery leaves to vary the soup's flavors.

Oltenian sorrel soup is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to bring a touch of spring, full of vitamins and health, to your table. Prepare it with love, enjoy every bite, and share this delicious culinary treasure with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!