Vegetable soup with scraps

Vegetable soup with dumplings is a comforting dish, full of flavor and health. Perfect for cool days or moments when you crave a warm and hearty meal, this soup brings together fresh vegetables and fluffy dumplings, turning any meal into a pleasant experience. Let's embark on a culinary journey to discover how to prepare this delicacy step by step.

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

Ingredients
For the soup:
- 3 zucchini
- 3 potatoes
- 1 carrot
- 1 piece of celery (approximately 100 g)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 3 tomatoes
- Celery leaves
- Parsley
- Lovage
- Salt (to taste)
- Olive oil (2-3 tablespoons)
- Borscht (to taste, approximately 200 ml)

For the dumplings:
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- 3 tablespoons of semolina

Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. It is important to choose fresh vegetables as they will influence the final taste of the soup. Cut the zucchini, potatoes, carrot, and celery into small cubes to ensure even cooking. The bell peppers can be sliced into strips, and the chopped onion will add a flavorful base.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pot, add the olive oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. This will release its flavors, starting a delicious base for the soup. Then add the carrot, celery, potatoes, and bell peppers, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes. This step is essential to bring the flavors of the vegetables to life.

Step 3: Boiling the soup
After the vegetables have been sautéed, add hot water to the pot, enough to cover the vegetables. Add salt to taste and let it simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables become softer. Meanwhile, blanch the tomatoes to make them easier to peel. Once they have cooled slightly, chop them finely and add them to the pot. They will give a fresh taste and a vibrant color to your soup.

Step 4: Preparing the dumplings
In a bowl, beat the egg well with a teaspoon of oil and a little salt. Gradually add the semolina, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes; this resting time will help achieve fluffy dumplings.

Step 5: Finalizing the soup
After about 10 minutes from adding the tomatoes, add the borscht (you can adjust the amount depending on how sour you want the soup) and let it boil for another 5-10 minutes. Using a piping bag, cut a small corner and squeeze the egg and semolina mixture into the pot, forming the dumplings. When they start to rise to the surface, you know they are ready. Add the fresh herbs (parsley and lovage), stir gently, and turn off the heat.

Serving
Serve the vegetable soup with dumplings hot, alongside a slice of homemade bread or crunchy croutons. A squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the flavors and add a note of freshness. You can also sprinkle grated cheese on top for extra flavor.

Practical Tips
- Vegetable variations: You can experiment with other vegetables depending on the season or preferences. Carrots can be replaced with pumpkin, and bell peppers with zucchini.
- More intense flavor: If you desire a deeper flavor, add a minced garlic clove when sautéing the onion.
- Fluffier dumplings: Make sure to mix the egg and semolina mixture well to achieve airy dumplings. You can also use corn flour instead of semolina for a gluten-free option.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This soup is not only tasty but also healthy. A serving contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants due to the variety of vegetables. Consuming fresh vegetables supports the immune system and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient alternative, but make sure to thaw and drain them before use to avoid excess water.

2. How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze it, but it is recommended to add the fresh dumplings only before serving.

3. How can I increase the acidity of the soup?
Besides borscht, you can also add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a more sour taste.

Vegetable soup with dumplings is a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for bringing joy and comfort to your table. Try it and discover how each spoonful can turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable culinary experience!