Moldovan Vegetable Soup

Moldovan Vegetable Soup Recipe - Hearty and Flavorful

Region / culture: Moldova | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Moldovan 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 is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

This traditional Moldovan dish has been enjoyed for generations as a comforting and nourishing meal. The combination of fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs makes this soup a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

3 qt/3 liter water
1 small carrot
1 small parsley root
1 big onion
1 handful green beans
1 small red beet
0.25 small cabbage
2 green peppers
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp mixed chopped parsley and dill
0.5 tsp flour
salt
1 cup sour cream or yogurt

How to prepare

Julienne the carrot, parsley root, and onion. Set them to boil.
After a few boils, add the beans cut into pieces and the julienne beet.
Let it boil for half an hour, and then add the cabbage, julienne peppers, salt, and peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes.
Fry the flour in the oil, add vegetable liquid, and then mix all of this with the soup.
When the vegetables are tender, add chopped parsley and dill.
When serving, add a tablespoon of sour cream in each person's bowl.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs. Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, be sure to sauté the vegetables before adding them to the broth. This will help to caramelize the sugars in the vegetables and create a rich, deep flavor in the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Moldovan Vegetable Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Moldovan Vegetable Soup is to simmer the vegetables slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all of the vegetables listed in the recipe, feel free to substitute with whatever you have on hand. This soup is very versatile and can be made with a variety of different vegetables.

Make Ahead Tips

This 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 Moldovan Vegetable Soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Moldovan Vegetable Soup contains approximately 150 calories. This makes it a light and nutritious meal option that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Moldovan Vegetable Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

This soup is low in fat, with only 1 gram of fat per serving. The fat in this dish comes primarily from the butter used to sauté the vegetables, which adds richness and flavor to the soup.

Proteins

Moldovan Vegetable Soup is a good source of protein, with 5 grams per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy immune system and supporting overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of yogurt. If you have a dairy allergy or intolerance, you can omit the yogurt or use a dairy-free alternative.

Summary

Overall, Moldovan Vegetable Soup is a nutritious and delicious meal option that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Summary

Moldovan Vegetable Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Moldovan Vegetable Soup. It was many years ago, during a summer trip to Europe with my husband. We were staying in a quaint village in Moldova, surrounded by rolling hills and fields of sunflowers. One evening, we were invited to dine with a local family, who welcomed us into their home with open arms.

As we sat down at the table, I couldn't help but notice the tantalizing aroma coming from the kitchen. The matriarch of the family, a sweet old woman with a twinkle in her eye, brought out a steaming pot of soup and placed it in front of us. It was filled with an array of colorful vegetables and herbs, and I could tell it was made with love and care.

I took my first spoonful of the soup and was immediately transported to a world of flavor and warmth. The rich broth, the tender vegetables, the hint of herbs - it was a symphony of taste that danced on my palate. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this soup.

After dinner, I approached the old woman and asked her for the recipe. She smiled and nodded, motioning for me to follow her into the kitchen. With a twinkle in her eye, she began to show me the steps to making the Moldovan Vegetable Soup. She explained that the key to the soup was using fresh, seasonal vegetables and allowing them to simmer slowly to bring out their natural flavors.

As she chopped and stirred, she shared stories of her own grandmother teaching her how to make the soup when she was just a young girl. She spoke of the importance of passing down recipes through generations, of the memories and traditions that were woven into each dish.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and every technique she shared with me. I could sense the love and history that infused this soup, and I knew that I wanted to carry on that legacy.

When it was time to say goodbye, the old woman handed me a handwritten recipe for the Moldovan Vegetable Soup. She told me to cherish it, to make it for my family and friends, and to always remember the connection we shared through this simple yet profound dish.

As I returned home and settled back into my routine, I couldn't wait to recreate the soup that had captured my heart in Moldova. I gathered the freshest vegetables I could find, chopped them with care, and simmered them slowly in a pot just as the old woman had taught me.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling my kitchen with its comforting aroma, I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me. I knew that I had not only learned a new recipe, but I had also gained a deeper understanding of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other.

When I ladled the steaming soup into bowls for my family to enjoy, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude. I knew that with each spoonful, I was passing down a piece of Moldovan tradition and culture to the next generation. And as we savored the delicious flavors of the soup together, I knew that the old woman's legacy would live on through me and my loved ones.

So whenever I make Moldovan Vegetable Soup now, I think back to that summer evening in Moldova, to the old woman with the twinkle in her eye, and to the timeless connection we shared through a simple bowl of soup. And I am grateful for the lessons learned and the memories made along the way.