QUICK SEASONAL SORREL SOUP WITH SOUR CREAM AND TARRAGON — A FRESH, LIGHT SPRING SOUP
This quick and refreshing seasonal sorrel soup celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh sorrel greens combined with tender vegetables, rice, and a creamy sour cream base. Finished with aromatic tarragon and a bright squeeze of lemon, it’s a perfect light meal for any day.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 min
🍳 Cook Time: 25 min
🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 parsley root, diced
- 1 slice celery root (about 50 g), diced
- 4 heaping tbsp rice
- 400 g sorrel leaves (about 4–5 bunches), washed and stems removed
- 150 g sour cream
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ lemon, juiced (about 1 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp chopped tarragon (or lovage)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté Vegetables
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrot, celery root, and parsley root.
- Sauté until onion is soft and translucent.
2. Add Water and Cook Vegetables
- Pour in 2.5 liters of water and add salt.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. Add Rice and Sorrel
- Add rice and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Remove sorrel leaves from stems; if leaves are large, slice into strips.
- Add sorrel to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Prepare Sour Cream Mixture
- In a bowl, mix sour cream with flour until smooth.
- Gradually add 4 ladles of hot soup broth, whisking continuously to temper.
5. Combine and Finish Cooking
- Reduce soup heat to low so it does not boil.
- Slowly stir tempered sour cream mixture into the soup, stirring constantly.
- Let simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent curdling.
6. Final Seasoning and Rest
- Turn off heat.
- Adjust salt to taste.
- Add lemon juice to taste (I used about 4 tbsp).
- Stir in chopped tarragon.
- Cover and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips
- Temper sour cream carefully to avoid curdling.
- Sorrel adds a pleasant tartness—adjust lemon juice accordingly.
- Tarragon or lovage enhances herbal aroma and freshness.
- Letting soup rest allows flavors to meld beautifully.
🎉 Perfect For
- Light, fresh spring meals
- Quick and easy healthy lunches
- Traditional Romanian seasonal dishes
- Soups with creamy, tangy profiles
📝 Final Thoughts
This quick sorrel soup with sour cream and tarragon is a vibrant, nourishing way to enjoy the season’s fresh greens. Its creamy texture, delicate tartness, and herbal notes make it a standout light soup for any occasion.