VEGETABLE SOUP WITH SOUR CREAM, EGG, AND LOVAGE — A HEARTY, FLAVORFUL START TO YOUR WEEK
This classic Romanian vegetable soup is brightened with fresh lovage and enriched with a creamy sour cream and egg mixture, delivering both nourishment and comfort. Packed with a colorful medley of garden vegetables, it’s a wholesome way to fuel your body and spirit.
🕒 Prep Time: 20 min
🍳 Cook Time: 35 min
🍽️ Yields: About 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 onion (about 120 g), finely chopped
- 1 large carrot (about 120 g), halved and sliced
- 1 slice celery root (about 60 g), diced
- 1 parsley root (about 50 g), diced
- 1 parsnip (about 50 g), diced
- 1 red bell pepper (about 200 g), diced
- 1 small zucchini (about 200 g), diced
- 1 leek (about 200 g), halved lengthwise and sliced
- ½ small young cabbage (about 120 g), chopped
- 150 g peas and/or green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 400 g potatoes, diced
- ½ can chopped tomatoes (200 g) or fresh ripe tomatoes, grated
- 200 ml sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh lovage, chopped
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare Base Vegetables
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté briefly.
- Add carrot halves and slices, diced celery root, parsley root, parsnip, and diced red bell pepper.
- Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften without browning.
2. Add Water and Initial Cooking
- Pour in 3 liters of water and add 2 tsp salt.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add Remaining Vegetables
- Add diced zucchini, potatoes, sliced leek, chopped cabbage, peas or green beans.
- Add additional 3 tsp salt.
- Boil until potatoes are tender, approximately 20 minutes.
4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer
- Crush tomatoes with a fork and stir into soup.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Temper and Add Sour Cream-Egg Mixture (Optional)
- Reduce heat to low to prevent boiling.
- In a bowl, whisk sour cream and eggs until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in 5–6 ladles of hot soup broth to temper the mixture.
- Slowly pour tempered mixture into soup while stirring constantly.
- Continue stirring gently for 5 minutes.
- Note: This step is optional; skip to next step if you prefer a vegan/fasting version without sour cream and eggs.
6. Final Seasoning and Rest
- Adjust salt as needed.
- Stir in chopped lovage and let soup rest for 5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice gradually to achieve desired tanginess.
- Alternative souring options: Use borscht or sauerkraut juice instead of lemon for traditional acidity.
- Cover soup and let stand for at least 30 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips
- Temper sour cream and eggs carefully to avoid curdling.
- Fresh lovage adds a distinct aromatic flavor typical of Romanian soups.
- Letting soup rest enhances flavor blending.
- Adjust souring agent to your taste or dietary preference.
🎉 Perfect For
- Nutritious weekday meals
- Traditional Romanian cooking enthusiasts
- Light yet filling vegetable soups
- Flexibility for vegan or dairy versions
📝 Final Thoughts
This Romanian vegetable soup with sour cream, egg, and lovage is a wholesome, vibrant dish that balances fresh garden flavors with creamy richness and herbal aroma. It’s an ideal way to nourish yourself and your loved ones, especially at the start of a busy week.