Vegetable soup

Green vegetable soup is a traditional dish that brings together the freshness of nature and the authentic flavors of seasonal ingredients. This recipe is not only healthy but also extremely comforting, perfect for cooler days. Additionally, it is an excellent way to utilize nutrient-rich green vegetables that help us stay healthy and energetic.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 3-4 bunches of orach
- 2-3 bunches of lamb's lettuce
- 2 bunches of wild garlic
- 1 bowl of nettles
- Fresh spinach leaves
- 1 green onion
- Lovage
- Celery leaves
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 handful of rice (optional, for added consistency)
- 1 liter of borscht
- 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste (or tomato puree)
- 1-2 tablespoons of salt (to taste)
- 1 bunch of dill
- Sour cream or buttermilk (for serving)

Brief history:
Green vegetable soup is a dish that combines culinary tradition with the health benefits of edible plants. This is an old recipe that has been adapted over the years but retains the essence of fresh ingredients and natural flavors. Over time, it has been considered a spring dish, symbolizing rebirth and a return to nature.

Step by step:

1. Cleaning and washing nettles:
Start by cleaning the nettles. Wear gloves to avoid stings. Wash them thoroughly in several waters until the water runs clear. This step is essential to remove impurities and any insects.

2. Preparing the greens:
Wash the other plants (orach, lamb's lettuce, wild garlic, spinach, green onion, lovage, celery, parsley) and chop them into suitable pieces. It is important not to chop them too small, so they retain their texture and flavors.

3. Boiling the potatoes:
Peel and chop the potatoes into cubes. Place them in a pot of boiling water. Boil for about 15 minutes until they are almost tender.

4. Adding the greens:
Once the potatoes are half-cooked, add all the prepared greens. Let them boil together for 10-15 minutes until all the ingredients are tender.

5. Seasoning:
Add the tomato paste or puree mixed with a little water from the vegetable broth, the borscht, and finely chopped greens, to taste. Let it boil for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to combine.

6. Finishing the dish:
If you choose to add rice, now is the time to include it. Let it boil until the rice is cooked and all the ingredients are well integrated.

7. Serving:
Serve the green vegetable soup cold or hot, according to preference, with a spoonful of sour cream or buttermilk on top. This detail will add a creamy and refreshing note, perfect for balancing the intense flavors of the greens.

Useful tips:
- Choosing the ingredients: Use fresh, seasonal greens to achieve the best flavors. Green vegetable soup is versatile, so you can experiment with other edible plants like dandelion or mint.
- The presence of borscht: If you prefer a more sour soup, adjust the amount of borscht. You can also add lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness.
- Variations: You can transform this recipe into a vegetable soup by adding carrots or zucchini for a different taste and a more varied texture.
- Serving: It can be served alongside a slice of whole-grain bread or with croutons for a more substantial meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can green vegetable soup be frozen?
Yes, but it is recommended not to include buttermilk at the time of freezing. Add it only when serving.
- Can I use frozen greens?
While it is better to use fresh ingredients, you can also use frozen greens. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding.
- How healthy is green vegetable soup?
This soup is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants due to the green ingredients. It is low in calories and an excellent option for a balanced diet.

Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 150 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g

Green vegetable soup is not only a simple and quick recipe but also an excellent way to reconnect with nature and savor the authentic flavors of fresh ingredients. So, invite your family or friends to join you on this culinary journey and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal together!