Sorrel and potato soup

Lamb's Quarters Soup with Potatoes - A Hearty and Vitamin-Packed Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

In a world full of sophisticated recipes and exotic ingredients, sometimes it’s worth going back to our roots and enjoying simple, healthy dishes that will recharge our batteries. Today, I invite you to discover a delicious lamb's quarters soup with potatoes, a fasting recipe that is also full of flavor. This soup is a perfect choice for days when you want something comforting yet filling, without compromising dietary principles.

The history of this recipe is linked to the fact that, over time, people have found the best ingredients in nature to nourish their bodies and souls. Lamb's quarters, a plant with exceptional nutritional properties, has been used in traditional cuisine for generations. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. Therefore, this soup is not only tasty but also beneficial for your health.

Here’s how to prepare this simple yet flavorful recipe:

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 large bunches of lamb's quarters (red and white)
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 green onions
- 2-3 tablespoons of sunflower oil
- 2 carrots
- A slice of celery (about 50 g)
- 2 sprigs of lovage
- A bunch of parsley
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
- About 300 ml of borscht

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the yellow onion and green onions. Chop them finely and set aside. The carrots, celery, and potatoes should also be peeled and chopped. Wash the lamb's quarters well and cut them into strips. This step is essential to ensure a uniform and tasty soup.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the sunflower oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the yellow and green onions along with half a cup of water. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they become translucent. This technique will intensify the flavors, giving the soup a richer taste.

3. Adding root vegetables: Now add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Let them sweat for about 10 minutes. This step will help the vegetables release their flavors and blend perfectly.

4. Including the lamb's quarters: Once the vegetables have started to soften, add the chopped lamb's quarters. Season with salt and pepper, then add about 2000 ml of water. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes over medium heat. This is the perfect moment to enjoy the aromas that begin to fill the kitchen!

5. Finalizing the soup: After 20 minutes, add the finely chopped herbs (lovage and parsley) and the borscht. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat. This last step is crucial, as the borscht adds a note of acidity that perfectly balances the flavors and completes the soup.

6. Serving: The lamb's quarters soup is served hot, as is, but you can also add a spoonful of sour cream if it is not a fasting period. This will add a delicious creaminess that enhances the tasting experience.

Useful tips:
- If you don’t have borscht on hand, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to add acidity.
- Lamb's quarters can be replaced with spinach or nettles, depending on your preferences.
- This soup keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated the next day, with the flavor becoming even more intense.

Nutritional benefits: This soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, helping to strengthen the immune system and maintain skin health. It is also low in calories, making it a perfect choice for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Is this soup vegan?
- Yes, lamb's quarters soup is perfectly vegan and can be enjoyed on any fasting day.

2. Can I add other vegetables?
- Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with the vegetables you like.

3. What other recipes can it be combined with?
- Lamb's quarters soup pairs perfectly with a red beet salad or warm polenta for a hearty and balanced meal.

In conclusion, this lamb's quarters soup with potatoes is not just a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to reconnect with nature and the basic ingredients of gastronomy. I wish you happy cooking and bon appétit!