Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup ljutenica (Bulgarian red pepper relish)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add vegetable broth, water, diced tomatoes, and chickpeas to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in ljutenica and smoked paprika. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 178
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 791mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth or beef broth.
- Canned chickpeas can be substituted with cooked dried chickpeas.
- Ljutenica can be substituted with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Variations:
- Add cooked diced potatoes or carrots for a heartier soup.
- Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smokier flavor.
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a meatier soup.
Tips and Tricks:
- If using a blender instead of an immersion blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters.
- Adjust the amount of ljutenica to your desired level of spiciness.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve soup in bowls with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, sour cream, yogurt, smoked paprika
Pairings:
Crusty bread, salad, grilled cheese sandwich
Suggested Side Dishes:
Roasted vegetables, garlic bread, Caesar salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth until desired consistency is reached.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the soup to a temperature of at least 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
Ljutenica is a traditional Bulgarian red pepper relish made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and spices. It is commonly used in Bulgarian cuisine as a condiment or ingredient in soups and stews.
Flavor Profiles:
Ljutenica soup has a smoky and slightly spicy flavor from the ljutenica and smoked paprika. The chickpeas add a nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve ljutenica soup as a starter or main course with crusty bread and a side salad.
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Region: Balkan