Soup > Vegetable Soups > Latvian

Speķrauši and Leek Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups Speķrauši, cooked and diced
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and leeks and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth, water, potatoes, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add the Speķrauši and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 4

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 150
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Olive oil can be substituted with butter or coconut oil.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth.
- Potatoes can be substituted with sweet potatoes.
- Speķrauši can be substituted with bacon or ham.

Variations:
- Add 1 cup of cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier soup.
- Add 1 cup of cooked beans for added protein.
- Add 1 cup of diced carrots or celery for added vegetables.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the leeks thoroughly before slicing to remove any dirt or sand.
- To save time, use pre-cooked Speķrauši.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme.

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 more water or broth to thin it out.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days.

Food History:
Speķrauši is a traditional Latvian dish made with pork and spices. It is often served with potatoes and vegetables.

Flavor Profiles:
This soup is savory and slightly smoky from the Speķrauši, with a hint of garlic and thyme.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a side of crusty bread and a green salad.

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Region: Latvian

Taste: Savory, Umami, Earthy, Herbal, Aromatic