Icelandic Meat Soup

Icelandic Meat Soup Recipe - Traditional Lamb Soup from Iceland

Region / culture: Iceland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 80 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Icelandic Meat Soup, also known as Kjötsúpa, is a traditional Icelandic dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for warming up on a cold day. This soup is made with a variety of vegetables, tender chunks of meat, and a savory broth that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Icelandic Meat Soup has been a staple in Icelandic cuisine for centuries. It is a dish that has been passed down through generations and is often enjoyed during the long, cold winters in Iceland. The soup is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are readily available in Iceland, making it a popular and comforting meal for many Icelanders.

Ingredients

600 g (1 lb 8 oz) lamb shoulder or leg meat, boneless and fat-free
3 – 4 large potatoes
1 leek
3 carrots
1 yellow turnip (rutabaga)
80 g (3 oz) celery root
0.5 cup rice
2 – 3 tbsp chopped herbs (parsley, chives, spring onion)
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Cut the meat into small cubes.
Heat 1 qt (946 ml) of water until it boils. Add the meat and a few bones, and bring it to a boil again.
Pour the water, meat, and bones into a clean sink and wash them thoroughly.
In a large, clean pan, place the meat, bones, and 1.5 qt (1.42 liters) of water. Bring it to a boil, skim off any impurities, and cook over moderate heat for approximately 60 minutes.
Remove the bones and season the soup with salt and pepper according to taste.
Clean the vegetables, cut them into pieces, and add them to the pot.
Bring the soup to a boil, skim off any impurities, add rice, and cook for 20 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary, and add herbs to the soup just before serving.

Variations

You can add barley or lentils to the soup for added texture and flavor.
For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to skim off any impurities that rise to the surface of the soup while it is cooking to ensure a clear and flavorful broth.

- Adding herbs, such as thyme or parsley, at the end of cooking will enhance the flavor of the soup.

- For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of beef and lamb in the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Icelandic Meat Soup is traditionally served with a slice of rye bread and butter on the side. You can also garnish the soup with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Icelandic Meat Soup is to simmer the soup slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find rutabaga, you can substitute turnips or parsnips in the soup. You can also use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve Icelandic Meat Soup in individual bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Icelandic Meat Soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of pickled vegetables. You can also serve the soup with a glass of Icelandic beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Icelandic Meat Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the soup in a pot on the stove and heat over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Icelandic Meat Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Icelandic Meat Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Icelandic Meat Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Icelandic Meat Soup contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Icelandic Meat Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

Icelandic Meat Soup may contain allergens such as celery and gluten.

Summary

Icelandic Meat Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Summary

Icelandic Meat Soup is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. This traditional Icelandic recipe is easy to make and is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this hearty soup with a slice of rye bread and butter for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Icelandic Meat Soup. It was given to me by a dear friend who had recently traveled to Iceland and had fallen in love with the traditional dish. I had always been intrigued by different cuisines from around the world, so I eagerly accepted the recipe and set out to make it myself.

The first step in making Icelandic Meat Soup was to gather the ingredients. The list was simple but unique - lamb meat, potatoes, carrots, onions, and pearl barley. I was lucky enough to have a local butcher who carried Icelandic lamb, so I made sure to pick up a few pounds of the meat before returning home to start cooking.

As I chopped the vegetables and browned the lamb meat in a large pot, the savory aroma filled my kitchen and reminded me of the cozy kitchens I had visited in Iceland. The smell alone was enough to transport me back to the rugged landscapes and warm hospitality of the country.

Once the meat was browned, I added in the chopped vegetables and allowed them to cook down before adding in the pearl barley. This ancient grain added a wonderful texture to the soup and absorbed all of the delicious flavors as it simmered away.

The final touch was a generous amount of water and a few bay leaves to add some depth to the broth. I let the soup simmer for a few hours, stirring occasionally and inhaling the mouthwatering scent that filled my home.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The first spoonful transported me back to Iceland, with each bite reminding me of the beauty and simplicity of the country's cuisine.

I shared the soup with my family and friends, who all marveled at the rich flavors and comforting warmth of the dish. They couldn't believe that such a simple recipe could yield such complex and delicious results.

From that moment on, Icelandic Meat Soup became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for special occasions and cozy nights in, always remembering the friend who had introduced me to the recipe and the magical land that had inspired it.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in my own personal touches and experimenting with different ingredients. But no matter how I change it, the essence of Icelandic Meat Soup remains the same - a simple, hearty dish that warms the soul and brings a taste of Iceland to my kitchen.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and create new recipes, and I will always cherish the memory of the day I first made Icelandic Meat Soup. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to different cultures and traditions, and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.