Sour soup with chanterelles

Sour Mushroom Soup: A Comforting Delight

Sour mushroom soup is a dish that combines the rich flavors of fresh and delicious ingredients with a touch of nostalgia and comfort. This recipe not only warms your soul but also transports you to pleasant memories, making it perfect for cool evenings or moments when you need an energy boost. Whether you have fresh or frozen mushrooms, this soup is an excellent choice for a comforting meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Basic ingredients:

- 500 g mushrooms (frozen or fresh)
- 200 g Serrano ham, diced
- 200 g pickled bell peppers, julienned
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 5 cm smoked pork rind, cut into thin strips
- 50 ml sunflower oil
- 2 tablespoons rice
- 200 g sour cream
- 1 tablespoon hot mustard
- 1 egg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

Soup preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onion and garlic. Dice the onion into small cubes, and you can crush or finely chop the garlic, depending on your preferences. If using frozen mushrooms, allow them to thaw slightly.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté them gently until the onion becomes translucent. This step is essential to release the flavors and give your soup a good start.

3. Adding the main ingredients: Add 2 liters of water to the pot, the mushrooms (whether frozen or fresh), the diced Serrano ham, the cut smoked pork rind, and the julienned pickled bell peppers. Mix everything well.

4. Cooking the soup: Place the lid on the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes. During this time, the flavors will combine, and the soup will develop a rich and comforting taste.

5. Preparing the sour cream mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the sour cream and mustard. Mix well, then gradually add 200 ml of the warm soup broth, stirring constantly. This step is important to avoid lumps in the sour cream.

6. Finishing the soup: Reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream mixture to the pot, stirring continuously. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes for all the ingredients to blend perfectly. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

7. Serving the soup: The sour mushroom soup is now ready! Serve it hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. If you desire a more sour taste, add a little juice from the pickled bell peppers.

Useful tips:

- Fresh vs. frozen ingredients: If you have access to fresh mushrooms, they will provide a more intense flavor and texture. Frozen mushrooms are an excellent and convenient option, especially in the cold season when fresh mushrooms are hard to find.

- Vegetarian option: You can turn this soup into a vegetarian dish by omitting the Serrano ham and pork rind and adding extra vegetables, such as carrots or celery.

- Storing the soup: You can keep the soup in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. In fact, the flavors will intensify as it cools. You can also freeze it for later consumption.

Nutritional benefits:

Sour mushroom soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Mushrooms are an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Serrano ham adds a touch of flavor as well as protein, while sour cream provides healthy fats. A serving of soup (approximately 300 ml) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of mushrooms? Yes, you can replace the mushrooms with other varieties, such as Champignon or porcini mushrooms, depending on your preference.

- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a little chili pepper or peppercorns during cooking for an extra kick.

- What can I serve alongside this soup? Sour mushroom soup pairs excellently with a slice of fresh bread or crispy croutons. Additionally, a seasonal salad would perfectly complement the meal.

This sour mushroom soup recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a refined and delicious dish. Whether you enjoy it with family or friends, your soup will surely bring joy and warmth to everyone’s hearts. Bon appétit!