Salad soup

Salad Soup – A Green Indulgence on a Plate

Salad soup is a recipe that combines freshness and health in a surprisingly delightful way. This dish is not just a simple soup; it is a celebration of flavors, where the ingredients harmonize perfectly, providing you with an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main course, salad soup is an excellent choice for warm days or for moments when you desire something light and comforting. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 lettuces (preferably green lettuce or iceberg lettuce)
- 5-6 slices of bacon
- 1 cup chicken broth (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 cup water (approximately 250 ml)
- 7 tablespoons sour cream
- Salt to taste
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by peeling the onion and garlic. Chop the onion finely and slice the garlic thinly. These two ingredients will give your soup a special aroma.

Step 2: Sautéing the onion and garlic

In a deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aroma, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them, as the flavor will turn bitter.

Step 3: Adding the lettuce

Wash the lettuces under cold running water and gently dry them. Cut them into thin strips and add them to the skillet over the onion and garlic. Continue to sauté the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will notice how the lettuce wilts and combines with the flavors in the skillet.

Step 4: Boiling the soup

Add the chicken broth and water to the skillet. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. The lettuce should be completely soft. This is when all the flavor will concentrate.

Step 5: Blending the soup

Once the lettuce is well softened, remove the skillet from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until you achieve a smooth consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender, but be careful not to burn yourself!

Step 6: Finishing the soup

Add the sour cream and salt to taste to the soup mixture. Stir well to homogenize the ingredients. At this point, you can adjust the texture by adding more water or broth if you prefer a thinner soup.

Step 7: Preparing the bacon

In another skillet, add the bacon slices and fry them over medium heat until crispy and golden. Once done, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the excess fat.

Step 8: Preparing the omelet

To add a special touch to your soup, you can prepare an omelet. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the flour and 2 tablespoons of sour cream. In the same skillet where you fried the bacon, add a little olive oil and pour in the egg mixture. Fry the omelet over low heat, carefully flipping it to cook evenly on both sides. Use cookie cutters to create various shapes, or cut the omelet into small cubes.

Final Note

Now that you have prepared the salad soup, it’s time to serve it! You can add the crispy bacon on top, along with the omelet cubes for an attractive presentation. The soup can be served warm, but it is also delicious at room temperature.

Practical Tips

1. How to choose lettuce: Choose fresh lettuce with firm, green leaves. Iceberg lettuce adds a pleasant crunch, while green lettuce offers a milder flavor.

2. Vegetarian option: You can omit the bacon for a vegetarian version, adding toasted croutons for extra texture.

3. Spicier soup: If you really like peppers, you can add a little chili when sautéing the onion and garlic.

4. Thickening the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a diced potato during the boiling stage and blend everything together.

Nutritional Benefits

Salad soup is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the lettuce, which is an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants. The bacon adds a note of protein and healthy fats, while the sour cream adds creaminess, making it a balanced and satisfying choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep the salad soup?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it before serving.

Can I use another broth instead of chicken broth?
Of course! Vegetable broth is an excellent alternative for a vegetarian version.

What other dishes can be paired with salad soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a raw vegetable salad or a savory tart. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine can perfectly complement the meal.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Salad soup promises to bring not just a delicious meal to your table, but also a fulfilling experience. Enjoy your meal!