Rustic vegetable soup

Peasant Vegetable Soup: A Feast of Simplicity and Natural Flavors

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Peasant vegetable soup is a dish that emanates the warmth and tradition of Romanian cuisine. This simple and healthy recipe allows you to experiment with various vegetables, adapting it to your personal taste.

The history of vegetable soup is closely tied to the daily life of peasants who, out of necessity, learned to combine the ingredients available in their gardens to create a nourishing and tasty dish. Thus, soup became not only a meal but also a symbol of hospitality and conviviality.

Ingredients:
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 1 parsnip
- 3 smaller potatoes
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 100 g green beans
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 celery stalk, including leaves
- 100 g roughly chopped cabbage
- 100 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2-3 small tomatoes
- Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 30-40 ml olive or sunflower oil
- For souring: lemon juice, vinegar or borscht
- For serving: sour cream (optional)

Step by step to a perfect soup:

1. Preparing the vegetables: First, wash all the vegetables well under running water. Then, peel and cut them into cubes, rounds, or as you prefer. You can choose to grate them, especially the carrot and parsley, for a finer texture.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pot, add the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. This step is essential, as sautéing the onion will add depth and sweetness to the soup.

3. Adding the root vegetables: Once the onion is ready, add the parsley root and parsnip, as well as the carrot. Sauté them together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. These vegetables will combine perfectly with the flavors of the onion.

4. Including the other vegetables: Now it’s time to add the potatoes, bell pepper, green beans, and celery. Mix everything well and let the vegetables sauté together for another 5 minutes.

5. Adding water: Pour in enough water (about 1.5-2 liters) to cover the vegetables well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

6. Souring the soup: After the vegetables have cooked, it’s time to sour the soup. You can use lemon juice, vinegar, or borscht, depending on your preference. Taste and adjust as necessary.

7. Finalizing the dish: Add the peas, diced tomatoes, and crushed garlic. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to combine the flavors.

8. Serving: Once the soup is ready, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. It can be served with a spoonful of sour cream, which will add a creamy and delicious note. If you are fasting, you can skip the sour cream, and the soup will still be just as tasty.

Practical tips:
- Variations: Vegetable soup is extremely versatile. You can add zucchini, cauliflower, or broccoli, depending on the season. You can also experiment with different types of beans.
- Preparing ahead: Vegetable soup can be made a day in advance, and the flavors will intensify. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Preserving nutrients: To retain as many nutrients as possible, do not boil the vegetables longer than necessary.

Nutritional values (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option and can be successfully used to prepare this soup.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add hot peppers or spices like paprika to give it a spicy kick.

3. What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you want a vegan option, you can use soy yogurt or coconut cream.

4. How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
Adding herbs like thyme or lovage can bring an extra flavor to the soup.

This peasant vegetable soup is not only a healthy delight but also an excellent way to bring the family together at the table. Whether you enjoy it warm on a chilly day or as a light dish on summer days, vegetable soup will fill your heart with joy and your stomach with satisfaction. Enjoy your meal!