Vegetable soup with borscht and rice

Vegetable soup with borscht and rice – A warm hug in a bowl

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

Vegetable soup with borscht and rice is a traditional, simple, and delicious recipe that brings warmth and comfort on colder days. This soup is not only nourishing but also full of flavor, offering a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and rice, with a hint of acidity from the borscht that gives it character. So get ready to enjoy every spoonful!

Ingredients:
- 2 medium carrots
- 1/2 celery (about 100 g)
- 2 bell peppers (or sweet peppers)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 100 g long-grain rice
- 1 packet of borscht (or to taste)
- 200 ml sour cream
- 1 large onion
- 2 egg yolks
- 3-4 tablespoons sunflower oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Nutritional information:
This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and a serving provides about 250 calories. It is high in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.

A bit of history
Vegetable soup is one of those recipes that appears in many culinary traditions. It is a symbol of home cooking, where each ingredient is chosen with care and love. Varying from household to household, each family has its own recipe, often passed down from generation to generation. This adaptability makes the soup not just a nourishing meal but also a pleasant memory of childhood.

Step by step – Preparation guide

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Peel the vegetables: carrots, celery, bell peppers, and potatoes. Cut the carrots and celery into small cubes, and the bell peppers and potatoes into medium-sized cubes. Chop the onion finely.
- Wash the rice under cold running water to remove the starch. This will help achieve a less sticky consistency.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step will add a base flavor to the soup.
- Add the carrots and celery, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes.

3. Boiling the soup:
- Add enough water to the pot to cover the vegetables, about 1.5 liters. Bring to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the potatoes and bell peppers. Let it boil for 15 minutes until the vegetables are slightly soft.

4. Adding the rice:
- Add the washed rice to the pot and mix well. Boil for 10-15 minutes until the rice is cooked.

5. Adding the borscht:
- Depending on your taste, add the borscht. Generally, one packet is sufficient, but feel free to adjust the amount to your preference. Let it boil for another 5 minutes.

6. Preparing the sour cream:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sour cream. Add a few tablespoons of the hot soup to the sour cream mixture to temper it, then add the entire mixture to the pot with the soup. This will make the soup creamy and delicious.

7. Finalizing and serving:
- Adjust the taste with salt and pepper, then add the chopped fresh parsley. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve the soup hot, with a slice of fresh bread on the side. A spoonful of extra sour cream on top is always a nice touch.

Serving and variations
For a personal touch, try adding a bit of hot pepper or spices like thyme or basil, which complement the vegetables beautifully. This soup is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cheese pie or a fresh salad.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I replace the rice with other grains?
Yes, you can use quinoa, bulgur, or even pasta, adjusting the cooking time according to the chosen ingredients.

- How long does the soup keep?
The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It can be frozen, although the texture of the vegetables may suffer.

- How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a bit of hot pepper or spicy seasonings during preparation.

Conclusion
Vegetable soup with borscht and rice is not just a simple recipe, but also a wonderful way to enjoy fresh vegetables and bring a touch of comfort to each day. This soup is perfect for sharing with loved ones, turning every meal into a celebration of flavors and aromas. Don’t forget to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own! Enjoy!