Peasant vegetable soup

Country-style vegetable soup

Country-style vegetable soup is a savory recipe, full of vitality, that evokes childhood memories when our grandmothers lovingly prepared healthy dishes from the vegetable garden. This soup is not just a simple dish, but a celebration of natural flavors, a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and aromas that will delight your taste buds. It is an excellent choice for a light lunch or a comforting dinner, perfect for any season.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 dried onions
- 1/2 bunch of green onions
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 potatoes
- 1 small celery (both root and leaves)
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 parsnip
- 1 handful of rice
- 1 kg tomatoes
- 2 cups of sour cherries
- 1 bunch of lovage
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 2-3 eggs
- 2 liters of water
- A few tablespoons of concentrated tomato paste
- Salt or vegeta
- Paprika
- Tarragon
- Sour cream or yogurt for serving

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by peeling and washing all the vegetables. This step is essential to ensure you get a clean and healthy soup. Grate the carrot on a small grater, the zucchini and parsnip on a large one, and cut the potatoes into cubes. If you prefer larger cut vegetables, you can chop them into cubes or slices with a knife.

2. Chopping the onion and bell pepper:
Finely chop the onion and bell pepper. These ingredients are the flavor base of the soup, so take your time with this step. A well-chopped onion will add extra flavor to your dish.

3. Preparing the tomatoes:
The tomatoes can be grated or blended, leaving only the juice. This will add a fresh note and vibrant color to your soup.

4. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a large pot, heat a little oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté it gently until it becomes translucent, then add the parsnip, celery, and carrot. Finally, add the bell pepper, stirring occasionally. It's essential to smell your food while preparing it – the aromas will start to fill the kitchen!

5. Adding the liquid:
After the vegetables have sautéed, pour boiling water over them. Add the cubed potatoes, letting them cook with the vegetables until they become tender.

6. Adding the rice:
When the vegetables are halfway cooked, add the rice. This will contribute to the soup's consistency and give it a note of heartiness.

7. Flavoring the soup:
After the rice has cooked, add the tomato juice, tomato paste, and souring agent. You can use lemon juice or vinegar, depending on your preference. Season to taste with salt, vegeta, paprika, and tarragon.

8. Finalizing:
After turning off the heat, add the chopped greens (lovage, parsley, and celery leaves). These will add a special freshness, and the flavors will blend perfectly.

9. Egg drops:
When the soup has cooled slightly, beat the eggs in a bowl. Add them to the soup while stirring continuously to form delicious drops. This step will enhance the texture of the soup and give it a note of richness.

10. Serving:
The soup is served hot, but it is also delicious cold, alongside sour cream or yogurt. Sprinkle a little fresh greenery on top for a pleasant appearance and an extra burst of flavor.

Useful tips:
- If you want a heartier version, you can add peas or green beans, but you can omit these ingredients if they are not to your liking, as we did.
- Play with combinations of vegetables! You can add cabbage, pumpkin, or even mushrooms, depending on the season and your preferences.
- If you want a sourer soup, you can add lemon juice or vinegar instead of traditional souring agents.

Nutritional benefits:
Country-style vegetable soup is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber due to the variety of vegetables used. It is a healthy, low-calorie option, perfect for a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good dose of antioxidants and essential nutrients, contributing to optimal health.

Frequently asked questions:
- How long can the soup be stored?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it is recommended to do so without the rice, as its texture will change after thawing.

I hope this country-style vegetable soup recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and on your plate! Cooking is an art, and each recipe is a story waiting to be told. Enjoy your meal!