Sour vegetable soup with sour cherries

Sour vegetable soup with sour cherries – a delicacy full of flavors and vitamins

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Sour vegetable soup with sour cherries is a classic recipe loved by many, bringing to your table a rich mix of seasonal vegetables and a fresh, tangy taste. This soup is not only delicious but also very healthy, being an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Whether you prefer it hot or cold, this soup will prove to be a perfect choice for any meal.

A bit of history: In many cultures, soups have always been an excellent way to use available vegetables, and the addition of sour cherries brings a note of freshness and acidity, thus enriching the final flavor. Moreover, sour vegetable soup proves to be an ideal option during fasting periods or for those who want to follow a lighter diet.

Ingredients:

- 1 large carrot
- 2 white onions
- 1 small parsley root
- ½ parsnip root
- 350 g green beans
- 500 g potatoes
- 1 small zucchini
- 2 tomatoes
- 8 sour cherries
- Fresh parsley leaves (for serving)
- Salt to taste
- 50 ml oil

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the carrot, parsley root, and parsnip. Use a grater with large holes to grate them. This process will help release the flavors and allow the vegetables to cook evenly.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a 5-liter pot, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the grated vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly translucent.

3. Adding the onion: Peel the onion, chop it finely, and add it to the sautéed vegetables. Continue to sauté the mixture for another 5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.

4. Boiling the soup base: Pour in 4 liters of water, bring to a boil. Meanwhile, peel the beans, potatoes, and zucchini. Break the beans into smaller pieces, cut the potatoes into cubes, and the zucchini into cubes as well.

5. Preparing the tomatoes: Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then peel them and chop them into cubes.

6. Adding the vegetables: When the water has started to boil, add the beans to the pot. Let it boil for 20 minutes, as they require more time to cook. Then, add the potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini. Don’t forget to add 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors.

7. Final cooking: Let the vegetables simmer over medium heat until they become tender. This step is essential to achieve a soup with a pleasant texture.

8. Preparing the sour cherries: In a separate pot, add a cup of water and the 8 sour cherries. Let them boil for a few minutes until they separate from the pits, then strain them. Mix well until only the pits and skins remain.

9. Sour the soup: Pour the sour cherries into the soup and sour it to taste. You can adjust the amount of salt as necessary. Let the soup simmer together for a few minutes for the flavors to combine.

10. Final touches: Turn off the heat and add a few fresh parsley leaves for an extra flavor boost. Cover the pot for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Serving:
Sour vegetable soup with sour cherries is delicious both hot and cold. You can serve it with a slice of fresh bread or crispy croutons. A personal suggestion would be to add a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy and refreshing contrast.

Tips and useful advice:

- Variations: You can add other seasonal vegetables, such as celery or bell peppers, to diversify the taste. Also, if you like more intense flavors, you can add herbs like thyme or basil.
- Soup for warm days: This recipe is perfect for summer days when vegetables are at their freshest. You can make it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge, as the flavor will intensify.
- Nutritional benefits: This soup is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a light meal. The vegetables used contribute to a stronger immune system and healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or even peas.

2. How long does the soup last?
The soup lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be frozen, but the flavor will be best if consumed fresh.

3. Is the soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, this soup is completely vegan, perfect for those following a diet without animal products.

I hope this recipe for sour vegetable soup with sour cherries brings you joy in the kitchen and at your table! Don’t forget to enjoy every step of this delicious process! Bon appétit!