Pike soup

Pike Soup – A Light and Flavorful Delicacy

Pike soup is a traditional recipe, full of flavor, that combines the freshness of vegetables with the delicate taste of fish. This recipe is perfect for warm days, being a light and healthy option that can bring a touch of joy to every meal. So, let’s get ready to transform a pike head into a delicious soup!

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 pike head (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for a touch of spice)
- 1 carrot
- 1 piece of leek (approximately 100 g)
- 1 stalk of celery (apio)
- 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic
- 50 ml oil (preferably olive or sunflower)
- Juice from 1-2 lemons (or tarragon vinegar, to taste)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning the vegetables. Wash the red bell pepper, carrot, leek, and celery well. Cut the red bell pepper into thin slices, the carrot into rounds, the leek into rings, and the celery into small pieces. These vegetables will add a wonderful flavor to your soup.

Step 2: Marinating the pike head
Make sure the pike head is well cleaned and washed. Remove the gills and any other impurities. If you have time, you can marinate it with a little salt and lemon juice to enhance its flavor.

Step 3: Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the prepared vegetables (red bell pepper, carrot, leek, and celery) and sauté for 1-2 minutes. This step will help release the flavors and make the soup much tastier.

Step 4: Cooking the soup
Add 2-3 liters of water to the pot, then add the cleaned pike head. Sprinkle salt to taste. Let everything boil over medium heat, and after about 20 minutes, the soup will be ready. Make sure not to boil too much, to keep the fish meat and vegetables tender.

Step 5: Finalizing the dish
After the soup has boiled, carefully remove the pike head. It can be served separately, drizzled with garlic sauce, for those who love the intense taste of garlic. In the remaining soup, add the chopped garlic and lemon juice (or tarragon vinegar if you prefer). Mix well and let the soup rest for a few minutes.

Step 6: Serving
Serve the soup hot, with a spoonful of sour cream and chopped fresh parsley on top. You can also place fresh parsley on the table to give a nice touch to the dish.

Useful tips:
- If you want to try a spicier version, add more hot pepper or even a few drops of hot sauce.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or tomatoes, to diversify the flavors.
- Make sure the fish is fresh for a delicate and pleasant tasting soup.
- The soup is even better the next day when the flavors have had time to blend.

Nutrition:
Pike soup is a healthy choice, full of protein and vitamins. Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health, while vegetables provide an important supply of fiber and nutrients. A serving of soup can have about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can the soup be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it is better to consume it fresh to enjoy all the flavors and nutrients.
2. What other types of fish can I use in this recipe?
You can also use white fish, such as cod or perch, but the taste will vary depending on the type of fish used.
3. Is sour cream necessary?
No, sour cream is optional. You can enjoy the soup without it for a lighter version.

Combine this soup with a fresh green salad or a slice of homemade bread for a perfect lunch or dinner. And for a refreshing dessert, lemon sorbet would be the ideal choice.

I invite you to try this simple and light pike soup recipe, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to every spoonful!