Spring soup

Spring Soup - An explosion of freshness on the plate

Spring soup is a true culinary spectacle, a combination of fresh and aromatic vegetables that bring a breath of freshness and vitality. It is an easy-to-make recipe, perfect for warm days when the desire to eat something light and healthy becomes a priority. Additionally, spring soup is packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to feel good and stay healthy.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 handful of fresh spinach
- 1 handful of lamb's quarters
- 1 handful of lettuce
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large potato
- 2 tablespoons of rice
- 1 diet yogurt (preferably Greek for a creamier texture)
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Juice from 1 lemon (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste

A bit of history:

Soups have a long-standing tradition, being a staple in many culinary cultures. Spring soup is essentially a celebration of the warm season, bringing together the fresh vegetables that appear in gardens. This recipe represents not just a delicious meal, but also a way to harness the earth's bounty, having a positive impact on health.

Step by step in preparing spring soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing all the vegetables very well. It is essential to remove any impurities, especially since many of these vegetables are fresh and may have dirt.

2. Chopping the vegetables:
- Chop the onion finely.
- Grate the carrots and parsnip or cut them into small cubes.
- Cut the celery and parsley root into small pieces.
- Cut the potato into cubes of about 1 cm for even cooking.

3. Boiling the vegetables:
Put all the chopped vegetables (onion, carrot, parsnip, celery, parsley root, and potato) into a large pot with cold water. Add a little salt and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let them boil for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.

4. Adding the greens:
While the vegetables are boiling, wash the spinach, lamb's quarters, and lettuce. Chop them finely and add them to the pot along with the washed rice. The rice will add a pleasant texture and make the soup more filling. Let everything boil together for 10-15 minutes.

5. Finalizing the soup:
After the vegetables and rice have boiled, take a small bowl and put the yogurt in it. Add a few tablespoons of the hot soup to the yogurt to gradually warm it (this will prevent curdling). Mix well, then pour the mixture back into the pot. Add the olive oil and let everything come to a boil.

6. Seasoning:
Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice to taste. You can adjust the soup according to your preferences by adding more salt or lemon, depending on your taste.

7. Serving:
Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley. This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons, adding a touch of rusticity and refinement.

Useful tips:

- If you want to keep your soup for the following days, it is recommended to add the rice only to the portion you consume, to prevent excessive liquid absorption.
- You can experiment with other greens, such as nettles or sorrel, to add variety.
- If you like a stronger flavor, you can add a few leaves of lovage or dill, which will provide an extra aroma.

Nutritional benefits:

Spring soup is not only delicious but also healthy:
- Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
- Carrots provide an important amount of beta-carotene, beneficial for eye health.
- Rice adds complex carbohydrates, providing long-term energy.
- Yogurt brings probiotics that improve digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables to save time. Make sure to thaw them before adding them to the soup.

2. What is the best way to store the soup?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for a longer duration, but it is best to add the rice only when reheating.

3. What drinks pair well with spring soup?
A refreshing lemonade or a warm herbal tea are excellent options that perfectly complement the freshness of the soup.

Spring soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is a way to celebrate the season and enjoy the fresh aroma of vegetables. So, dress your kitchen in the colors of spring and let yourself be carried away by the flavors of this delicious soup! Prepare it, savor it, and share it with loved ones. Enjoy!