Salad soup with sour cream and garlic

Salad soup with sour cream and garlic is a traditional recipe that combines the freshness of ingredients with a rich taste, bringing a touch of indulgence to every bowl. This soup is not only delicious but also healthy, being full of vitamins and essential nutrients. Moreover, it is a perfect choice for hot summer days or for moments when you want to enjoy a light and comforting meal.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 5 pieces of green lettuce or lettuce (approximately 300 g)
- 2 carrots (approximately 150 g)
- 1 parsnip (approximately 100 g)
- 1 celery (approximately 100 g)
- 1 onion (approximately 100 g)
- 50 g butter
- 375 g sour cream
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, or to taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion, carrots, parsnip, and celery. These vegetables will form the tasty base of your soup. Make sure you have everything at hand to facilitate the cooking process.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrots, parsnip, and celery. Continue to sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow them to release their flavors.

3. Boiling the vegetables: After the vegetables have been sautéed, add approximately 1.5 liters of water to the pot. Let it boil for 10 minutes, partially covering the pot with a lid. This will help retain the flavors and reduce the boiling time.

4. Adding the lettuce: Meanwhile, wash the green lettuce or lettuces well under a stream of cold water, then chop them coarsely. Once the vegetables in the pot have boiled, add the lettuce. Let it boil for another 5-7 minutes. The lettuce will soften and add a pleasant texture and fresh taste to the soup.

5. Seasoning the soup: While the soup is boiling, add salt and pepper to taste, as well as the sweet paprika, which will provide a touch of color and a subtle flavor. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.

6. Finishing the soup: Once all the ingredients are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream with the crushed garlic (you can adjust the amount of garlic according to your preferences). Add the sour cream and garlic mixture to the soup, stirring well to achieve a creamy consistency and intense flavor.

7. Serving: The salad soup is served warm, and for an extra touch of flavor, you can accompany it with warm polenta, freshly made. This will add a rustic note and turn the soup into a delicious main dish.

Practical tips:
- Choosing the lettuce: Use fresh green lettuce or lettuces, as they have a more delicate flavor and will soften quickly in the soup.
- Fresh garlic: Always opt for fresh garlic, as it will provide a much more intense flavor than powdered garlic.
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to add variety. Also, for a vegetarian option, you can replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative.

Nutritional information:
Salad soup is a nutritious choice, rich in vitamins A and C, due to the fresh vegetables. It is low in calories, with approximately 180 calories per serving, and can be a healthy part of your daily diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- How long does the soup last in the refrigerator?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

- Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add the sour cream before freezing. Add it only after thawing and reheating.

- Can I replace the sour cream with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use natural yogurt or a vegan alternative to keep the soup creamy, but with a different taste.

Serving recommendations:
To enhance the culinary experience, you can serve the soup alongside a slice of garlic toast or a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Also, a cold drink, such as mint tea or fresh citrus juice, will perfectly complement the meal.

Salad soup with sour cream and garlic is not just a simple recipe, but an invitation to enjoy authentic and healthy flavors. So, dress it in colorful bowls, add a spoonful of polenta, and savor every bite! Enjoy your meal!