Ástarpungar Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 cups of diced potatoes
- 1 cup of diced carrots
- 1 cup of diced celery
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 2 cups of cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the flour and stir to combine.
4. Add the vegetable broth and stir to combine.
5. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes and stir to combine.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Add the cooked lentils and stir to combine.
8. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
9. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine.
10. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
11. Stir in the chopped parsley.
12. Serve hot.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 4-6

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 13g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: Olive oil
- Vegetable broth: Chicken broth
- Lentils: Split peas
- Heavy cream: Coconut milk

Variations:
- Add cooked sausage or bacon for extra flavor
- Add diced bell peppers for extra color and flavor
- Add diced jalapenos for extra heat

Tips and tricks:
- Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed
- For a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water

Storage instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in a pot over medium heat until hot.

Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, shredded cheese, croutons, diced jalapenos.

Pairings:
Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
Crusty bread, green salad, roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the soup is too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth.

Food safety advice:
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Ástarpungar Soup is a traditional Icelandic soup that has been around for centuries. It is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for cold winter days.

Flavor profiles:
This soup has a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the carrots and a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes.

Serving suggestions:
Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

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Region: Icelandic

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbal, Aromatic, Earthy