Bulgarian Vegetable soup

Bulgarian Vegetable Soup Recipe - Authentic and Delicious!

Region / culture: Bulgaria | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Bulgarian Vegetable Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with a variety of vegetables and flavors that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Bulgarian Vegetable Soup, also known as "Supa Topcheta," has been a staple in Bulgarian cuisine for centuries. This soup is traditionally made with a variety of fresh vegetables that are in season, making it a versatile and adaptable dish.

Ingredients

2-3 potatoes
1-2 carrots
0.5 celery
1-2 peppers
0.25 of a medium-sized cabbage
1 onion
2-3 tomatoes
1 beetroot
1 spoonful flour
1 tsp paprika
100 g yoghurt
1 egg
100 g kashkaval(yellow cheese)
sunflower oil
salt
parsley

How to prepare

Put the diced celery and carrots into a pot of boiling salted water, along with the finely chopped cabbage and peppers.
Once they are soft, add the diced potatoes.
Boil the diced beetroot separately.
In a separate pan, stew the finely chopped onion until soft, then add the flour, paprika, and grated tomatoes.
Add this mixture to the boiling vegetables and continue boiling for another half hour.
Finally, add the boiled beetroot.
Thicken the soup by adding a beaten egg to yogurt, then mix it in.
Serve the soup with finely chopped parsley and grated kashkval cheese.

Variations

Omit beetroot
Omit egg, yogurt, and cheese.
Add beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber.
Use different vegetables based on what is in season.
Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the vegetables into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Stewing the onion before adding the flour and paprika will help to develop a rich and flavorful base for the soup.

- Adding the beaten egg to yogurt to thicken the soup is a traditional Bulgarian technique that adds a creamy texture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bulgarian Vegetable Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the vegetables in salted water helps to infuse them with flavor.

- Stewing the onion before adding the flour and paprika helps to develop a rich and flavorful base for the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of sunflower oil for a different flavor profile.

- Use feta cheese instead of kashkval cheese for a tangy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Bulgarian Vegetable Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Bulgarian Vegetable Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of yogurt for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Bulgarian Vegetable Soup with a glass of Bulgarian red wine for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Bulgarian Vegetable Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Bulgarian Vegetable Soup contains approximately 250 calories, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

Carbohydrates

The main sources of carbohydrates in this soup come from the potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes. These vegetables provide essential energy for your body to function properly.

Fats

The fats in this soup come from the sunflower oil used for cooking and the cheese added as a garnish. These fats provide flavor and help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

The protein in this soup comes from the yogurt, egg, and cheese. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used. Carrots provide vitamin A, tomatoes provide vitamin C, and potatoes provide potassium.

Alergens

This soup contains dairy (yogurt and cheese) and eggs, so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Bulgarian Vegetable Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Bulgarian Vegetable Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. Packed with a variety of vegetables and flavors, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this traditional Bulgarian recipe with your family and friends for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first tasted Bulgarian Vegetable Soup. I remember it like it was yesterday. The warm, comforting aroma filled the kitchen as my grandmother stirred the pot, adding in the vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs.

I was always curious about cooking, and my grandmother was more than happy to teach me her skills in the kitchen. She had a wealth of knowledge when it came to traditional recipes from all over the world, and this Bulgarian Vegetable Soup was no exception. She told me that she had learned the recipe from a dear friend who had visited Bulgaria many years ago.

As I watched her cook, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious the soup looked. The base was made from a rich and flavorful vegetable broth, simmered with onions, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. But the real secret, she said, was in the combination of herbs and spices that gave the soup its unique taste.

She showed me how to chop the vegetables just right, so that they would cook evenly and retain their vibrant colors. She also taught me how to layer the flavors by adding in the herbs at just the right moment, allowing them to infuse the broth with their essence.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the air with its tantalizing scent, my grandmother told me stories of her travels and the friends she had made along the way. She spoke of the beauty of Bulgaria, with its rolling hills and lush gardens teeming with fresh produce. She described the warmth and hospitality of the people she had met there, who had welcomed her into their homes and shared their recipes with her.

When the soup was finally ready, she ladled it into bowls and topped it with a dollop of tangy yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. I took my first taste, and my taste buds were dazzled by the complex flavors that danced on my tongue. The sweetness of the carrots, the earthiness of the potatoes, the acidity of the tomatoes, and the freshness of the herbs all came together in perfect harmony.

From that moment on, Bulgarian Vegetable Soup became a staple in our household. Whenever I made it, I would think back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her cook with such love and care. I would remember the stories she told me and the joy we shared as we sat down to enjoy a bowl of soup together.

Over the years, I have made this recipe my own, adding in my own twist here and there. Sometimes I like to throw in a handful of chickpeas for extra protein, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. But no matter how I change it up, the essence of the soup remains the same – a warm and comforting bowl of goodness that always brings a smile to my face.

I am forever grateful to my grandmother for passing down this recipe to me, and for instilling in me a love of cooking that has stayed with me throughout my life. Every time I make Bulgarian Vegetable Soup, I feel a connection to her and to the memories we shared in the kitchen. And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of soup with my own family, I know that this recipe will continue to be a cherished part of our culinary traditions for years to come.