Potato soup with lovage

Potato soup with lovage - A traditional recipe full of flavor and comfort

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

Potato soup with lovage is a classic dish that brings together the flavors of fresh vegetables and the richness of taste, providing a comforting meal on cool days. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for enjoying with loved ones, whether it's a family lunch or a warm dinner after a long day. Lovage, with its slightly spicy aroma, adds a special touch to this dish, making it truly memorable.

The history of potato soup is closely linked to simple yet nourishing culinary traditions passed down through generations. This dish has often been prepared in households from accessible ingredients, serving the purpose of nourishing the family with essential nutrients. Additionally, potato soup can be easily customized, allowing for the addition of preferred ingredients such as meat or other vegetables.

Ingredients:

- 500 g potatoes (preferably starchy potatoes)
- 1-2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 medium celery
- 2 bunches of green onions
- 3 bunches of fresh lovage
- 1 liter of borscht (or to taste)
- 5 tablespoons of tomato juice
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step by step for a delicious soup:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and finely chopping the carrot, celery, parsley root, and green onions. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of your soup. In a pot, add a tablespoon of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become slightly soft and release their aromas.

2. Adding the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into appropriately sized cubes (about 2-3 cm). Then, pour water over the sautéed vegetables, covering them well. Once the water starts to boil, add the chopped potatoes. Now is the time to enjoy the aroma developing in the kitchen!

3. Boiling the soup: Let the soup boil over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fully cooked. You can check if they're done by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft but not falling apart.

4. Adding the tomato sauce and borscht: Once the potatoes are cooked, add 4-5 tablespoons of tomato juice to give the soup a touch of acidity and a beautiful color. Separately, boil a liter of borscht and add it to the pot with vegetables and potatoes. The borscht will give your soup a distinctive flavor.

5. Seasoning: Add about half of the chopped lovage and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Serving: Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped lovage. If desired, you can enrich the soup with a beaten egg yolk to give it a creamy texture.

Practical tips for a perfect result:

- Choose starchy potatoes, as they break down more easily and provide a pleasant texture to the soup.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the flavor.
- If you want a heartier version, you can include pieces of meat (chicken or pork) to boil together with the vegetables.
- Fresh lovage is essential for an authentic taste, but you can also use dried lovage if you don't have access to fresh.

Frequently asked questions:

- How long does the soup last in the fridge? Potato soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Can I freeze the soup? Yes, the soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezing containers.
- What side dishes go well with potato soup? A slice of fresh bread or croutons are ideal to accompany the soup. Additionally, a fresh green salad can add a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional benefits:

Potato soup is a nutritious meal, rich in carbohydrates from potatoes, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables. It can provide long-lasting energy and is a good source of fiber, essential for healthy digestion.

Possible variations:

To add a touch of originality, you can experiment with spices such as sweet paprika or chopped garlic to enrich the soup's flavor. Additionally, you can replace the borscht with lemon juice for a note of freshness.

In conclusion, potato soup with lovage is not just a simple and quick recipe, but also a way to bring together flavors and traditions in a comforting dish. By trying this recipe, you will bring to your table not only a delicious meal but also a piece of culinary history, full of warmth and love. Enjoy every spoonful and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!