Potato soup

Potato soup with vegetables – A comforting delicacy for fasting days

Potato soup is one of those simple yet flavorful recipes that remind us of family meals, the comfort of home, and seasonal aromas. This dish is perfect not only during fasting days but also whenever you want to enjoy a light, healthy meal packed with vitamins. Today, I will guide you step by step to create a delicious potato soup with vegetables that will delight both your taste buds and your soul.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 4 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 onion
- 1/4 celery root
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 5 medium potatoes
- a handful of peas (fresh or frozen)
- 200 ml tomato juice
- fresh celery and parsley leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 liters of water

Preparation:

1. Heating the water: Start by putting 4 liters of water in a large pot and bring it to a boil. It is essential to have enough water to accommodate all the vegetables and to achieve a rich and tasty soup.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and wash all the vegetables thoroughly. This is a crucial step as clean vegetables provide a fresher and more vibrant taste to the soup. You can use a vegetable brush to ensure there are no impurities left.

3. Chopping the vegetables: Cut the carrots into thin rounds, the parsnip and celery into small cubes, and the onion and green bell pepper into small pieces. These uniform cuts will ensure even cooking of the vegetables.

4. Boiling the vegetables: Once the water has started to boil, add the carrots, parsnip, celery, onion, and green bell pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes until the vegetables become slightly tender. This is the perfect time to add salt and pepper to taste, to enhance the flavors.

5. Adding the potatoes and peas: Cut the potatoes into medium-sized cubes and add them to the pot along with the peas. Let everything boil for another 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are well cooked. Check with a fork; if it easily goes into the potatoes, they are ready.

6. Including the tomato juice: After the potatoes are well cooked, pour the tomato juice into the pot and stir well. This addition will not only enrich the flavor of the soup but also give it a vibrant color. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes.

7. Finalizing the dish: Remove the soup from the heat and add the chopped celery leaves and fresh parsley. These will add a note of freshness and aromatic flavor. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

8. Serving and variations: The potato soup is served hot, but if you like a sour taste, you can add fermented borscht or sauerkraut juice. These additions provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the vegetables.

Serving suggestions: You can accompany the soup with a slice of fresh bread, buttered, or with crunchy croutons.

Nutritional benefits: This soup is low in calories, offering a nourishing meal full of nutrients. The vegetables used are rich in vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals, while the potatoes are an excellent source of healthy carbohydrates and fiber.

Useful tips:
- If you want to make a richer soup, you can add other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans.
- You can transform this recipe into a vegetable soup variation by adding chickpeas or lentils for an extra source of protein.
- If you have it on hand, adding fresh herbs at the end, such as lovage or basil, will intensify the soup's aroma and make it even more appetizing.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, it's an excellent option, especially if you want to save time.
- How can I make the soup spicier? You can add a little chili pepper or spices like chili for an extra kick of flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all you have to do is put on your apron and enjoy this comforting potato soup with vegetables. It's a simple yet flavorful recipe that will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!