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VEGETABLE SOUP WITH SOUR CREAM, EGG, AND LOVAGE — A HEARTY, FLAVORFUL START TO YOUR WEEK

VEGETABLE SOUP WITH SOUR CREAM, EGG, AND LOVAGE — A HEARTY, FLAVORFUL START TO YOUR WEEK

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.