Swede soup

Kohlrabi Soup - A Comforting and Flavorful Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

On a chilly day, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm soup that brings a smile to our faces. Today, I will share with you the recipe for a kohlrabi soup, a simple yet flavorful dish that combines fresh vegetables with a delicate aroma. Kohlrabi soup is an excellent choice for a light, nutritious meal that is, most importantly, quick to prepare.

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 kohlrabis (not too large)
- 1 small onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 small potato
- 1 zucchini (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 300 g cherry tomatoes (or regular tomatoes, if you prefer)
- A handful of noodles (the amount can vary based on preferences)
- 1-2 tablespoons of oil (preferably olive oil for a more refined taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh lovage (for garnish and flavor)

Preparing the ingredients:

Before we start cooking, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients ready. Here are some useful details about each ingredient:

- Kohlrabi: Choose fresh kohlrabis with smooth skin and no blemishes. Kohlrabi has a slightly sweet taste and a crunchy texture, which becomes soft and flavorful once cooked.
- Onion: A small onion adds a flavorful base to the soup. If you want to intensify the flavor, you can use red onion.
- Carrot: The carrot brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Make sure it is fresh, as this will influence the final flavor.
- Potato: This helps with the creaminess of the soup. Choose a small potato with a firm texture.
- Zucchini: Optional, but adds a light and fresh note. Choose a small and firm zucchini.
- Cherry tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy, but you can also use regular tomatoes, diced. Tomatoes add acidity and depth to the soup.
- Noodles: An excellent choice to make the soup heartier. Choose thin noodles that will cook quickly.
- Lovage: This aromatic herb will provide a fresh taste and a note of freshness, perfect for garnishing the soup.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling all the vegetables. Cut the kohlrabi, carrot, potato, and zucchini into small cubes, and slice the onion thinly. You can cut the cherry tomatoes in half.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrot and kohlrabi, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Let the vegetables sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft.

3. Adding water: Once the vegetables have started to soften, add water depending on how thick you want the soup. About 1.5 liters would be ideal for a hearty soup. Let everything boil over medium heat.

4. Boiling the vegetables: When the soup starts to boil, add the potato and zucchini (if using). Let it boil for about 15 minutes or until all the vegetables are half-cooked.

5. Adding tomatoes: Now is the time to add the halved cherry tomatoes. They will give a sweet and sour note to the soup. Let it boil for another 5 minutes.

6. Noodles: After the tomatoes have softened, add the noodles. Cook the soup for another 5-7 minutes until the noodles are al dente.

7. Adjusting the taste: Before turning off the heat, taste the soup and add salt to your preference.

8. Serving: Once the soup is ready, serve it hot in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped lovage. This will add an extra touch of flavor and color.

Serving suggestions:

Kohlrabi soup is delicious and simple, but you can enhance it with a few additional ingredients. For example, add toasted bread croutons for extra texture or sprinkle some grated cheese on top for a more intense flavor. Serve the soup alongside a fresh green salad or a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete meal.

Possible variations:

This recipe is extremely versatile. You can add other vegetables such as celery, bell peppers, or even peas. If you want to turn it into a cream soup, blend everything with an immersion blender after it has boiled until you achieve a smooth consistency. You can also try adding herbs like dill or basil to change the flavor profile.

Nutritional benefits:

Kohlrabi soup is a healthy and nutritious choice. Kohlrabi is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and the included vegetables provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. The noodles add carbohydrates, offering a quick source of energy. This soup is low in calories, making it perfect for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables? Yes, this soup is very versatile. You can add your favorite vegetables or those available in your fridge.
2. How can I make the soup spicier? You can add a finely chopped chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a kick.
3. Can I freeze the soup? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add freshly cooked noodles when reheating to maintain the texture.

In conclusion, kohlrabi soup is a simple and delicious dish, perfect for bringing warmth and comfort on colder days. I hope this recipe inspires you to make it at home and enjoy its wonderful flavors. Enjoy your meal!