Rustic vegetable soup

Country-style vegetable soup is a traditional Romanian dish, full of flavors and vitality, perfect for any season. This dish is not only an excellent source of vitamins but also a healthy and comforting choice. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this delicious soup, which can quickly become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 dried onions
- 1/2 bunch of green onions
- 1 medium zucchini
- 2 potatoes
- 1 small celery (root and leaves)
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 white beet
- 1 handful of rice
- 1 kg tomatoes (or 400 g tomato paste)
- 2 cups of cornelian cherries, optional for a tangy taste
- 1 bunch of lovage
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 2-3 eggs (optional, for an extra protein boost)
- 2 l water
- A few tablespoons of concentrated tomato paste
- Salt or vegetable seasoning
- Paprika (sweet or hot, according to preference)
- Tarragon (optional, for an aromatic taste)
- Sour cream or yogurt for serving

Instructions:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and thoroughly washing all the vegetables. This is an essential step to remove impurities. Use a large grater for zucchini and white beet, and a small grater for the carrot. If desired, you can cut the vegetables into special shapes to give them a more attractive presentation.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Chop the dried onion finely, and slice the green onion into rounds. You can dice the potatoes, celery, and peppers. Make sure all vegetables are cut uniformly to cook evenly.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and place it over medium heat. When the water begins to boil, add the dried onion, carrot, celery, and peppers. Let it boil for 10 minutes to release the flavors.

4. Adding the grated vegetables: After 10 minutes, add the zucchini, white beet, potatoes, and rice. Gently stir to avoid crushing the vegetables. Let it boil for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are almost cooked.

5. Tomatoes and cornelian cherries: If using fresh tomatoes, chop them into cubes and add them to the soup. If using tomato paste, add it now along with the halved cornelian cherries. The cherries will provide a tangy taste but are optional.

6. Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, paprika, and tarragon, then stir. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. Let the soup boil for another 10-15 minutes.

7. Finalizing the soup: Finally, add the chopped lovage and parsley. If you want to add eggs, break them into a bowl and gradually incorporate them into the soup, stirring continuously to avoid coagulation.

8. Serving: Let the soup cool slightly, then serve it with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt on top for a creamy and refreshing taste. It is delicious both hot and cold, making it ideal for warm days.

Practical tips:
- If you want a heartier soup, you can also add some green beans or peas.
- Country-style vegetable soup is perfect for making in larger quantities; it stores well in the fridge and is even tastier the next day.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as dill or basil, to give it a personal touch.

Enjoy every spoonful of this country-style vegetable soup, a healthy and comforting dish, perfect for family meals!