Sorrel soup with lovage, absolutely sensational!

Lettuce Soup with Lovage: a traditional recipe, full of flavors and nostalgia

Lettuce soup is a dish that reminds us of warm summer days when fresh vegetables were abundant. This simple and tasty recipe is not only an excellent way to consume lettuce but also a wonderful way to indulge your taste buds with a rich and aromatic flavor. This soup stands out with fresh lovage, which adds a distinct note, while the combination with milk and eggs gives it a special creaminess.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients

- 5 heads of fresh green lettuce
- 100 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 2 eggs
- 300-400 ml milk (preferably homemade)
- Salt, to taste
- A bunch of fresh lovage
- 5 cloves of garlic
- Vinegar, to taste
- Optional: sour cream for serving

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning the green lettuce. Tear the leaves and wash them 3-4 times in cold water to ensure there are no impurities. It is important to use fresh lettuce, as it will influence the final taste of the soup.

2. Sautéing the lettuce
In a 3-liter pot, add the oil and place it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the lettuce cut into smaller pieces. Sautéing the lettuce is an essential step; it helps reduce bitterness and intensify flavors. Cook the lettuce over low heat until it begins to darken, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Boiling the soup
Add 2.5 liters of water to the pot, adjusting salt and vinegar to taste. Let the soup boil over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until the lettuce becomes soft. This is the ideal time to think about additional flavors you might want to add, such as a bit of pepper or even a splash of lemon juice.

4. Preparing the egg mixture
When the soup is ready, turn off the heat. Crush the garlic cloves with a garlic press and add them to the soup. This will provide an unmistakable aroma. Separately, beat the egg yolks well in a bowl with a fork, adding a little water (about 25 ml) to thin them out. Add the cold milk, mixing well. It is important that the milk is cold, and if it is homemade, ensure it has been boiled and then cooled.

5. Completing the soup
Take a ladle of hot soup and gradually add it to the egg and milk mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Then pour this mixture back into the pot with the soup. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary, keeping in mind that the milk can add a bit of sweetness.

6. Finalizing the dish
Finally, add the finely chopped lovage, which will give your soup a fresh and vibrant taste. It is an ingredient that should not be missing, as it is the star of this dish.

Serving

Lettuce soup with lovage is delicious served hot but can also be an excellent choice for warmer days, served at room temperature. You can add a tablespoon of sour cream to the bowl for extra creaminess and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a serving of warm polenta, which will perfectly complement this dish.

Tips and variations

- Ingredients: Use fresh, seasonal lettuce. If you want a more colorful soup, you can also add a few leaves of spinach or parsley.
- Lovage: This can be added both to the soup and directly to the plate, providing a fresh and intense flavor.
- Additional flavors: If you like to experiment, you can add spices like dill or basil, which pair well with lettuce and garlic.

Nutritional benefits

Lettuce soup with lovage is not only tasty but also healthy. Green lettuce is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while lovage provides a significant amount of antioxidants. Milk and eggs offer essential proteins, contributing to a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of lettuce?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of lettuce, such as romaine or iceberg. Each type will provide a different texture and flavor to your soup.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
If you like a spicier taste, you can add some finely chopped chili pepper during the sautéing of the lettuce or during the boiling stage.

3. Is the soup good the next day?
Lettuce soup will keep well in the refrigerator and can be reheated. In fact, some flavors may intensify over time.

This lettuce soup with lovage is not just a simple recipe but also a true delight that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, enjoy the cooking process, and savor a bowl of comfort and flavor!