Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of lountza (smoked pork loin), sliced thinly
- 2 large leeks, sliced thinly
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced leeks and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes or until the leeks are soft.
3. Add the sliced lountza to the pot and sauté for another 5 minutes or until the lountza is slightly browned.
4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the soup until it is smooth.
7. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer on low heat.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 400
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Lountza can be substituted with bacon or ham.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut cream or almond milk.
Variations:
- Add diced potatoes or carrots to the soup for added texture.
- Substitute leeks with onions or shallots for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of cumin or paprika for a smoky flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to slice the lountza thinly.
- Make sure to clean the leeks thoroughly before slicing.
- Add the heavy cream at the end of the cooking process to prevent curdling.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the soup in a bowl with a sprig of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or croutons.
Pairings:
This soup pairs well with a crusty bread or a side salad.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the lountza and leeks thoroughly before blending.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food History:
Lountza is a traditional Cypriot smoked pork loin that is often used in soups and stews.
Flavor Profiles:
This soup has a smoky and savory flavor with a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this soup as a starter or as a main course with a side dish.
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Region: Cyprus