Cream of Lettuce Soup Recipe 🥣
Overview:
Cream of Lettuce Soup is a delightful concoction that surprises with its rich flavor and smooth texture. It’s a cherished recipe that never fails to impress, whether served as a comforting lunch or a satisfying snack. With its blend of fresh ingredients and simple preparation, this soup is a winner for any occasion!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 cups
Ingredients:
- 60g butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried tarragon
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 head lettuce, chopped
- 1 bunch watercress, chopped
- 1 quart (4 cups) chicken stock (or 1/2 chicken and 1/2 vegetable stock)
- 1 quart (4 cups) milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup scalded cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Finely chopped parsley and/or spring onions, for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients:
- Melt the butter in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, green pepper, and dried tarragon. Saute for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
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Cook Vegetables:
- Add the chopped lettuce and watercress to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly wilted.
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Simmer:
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Blend:
- Remove the pan from the heat and carefully transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If you have a handheld blender, it’s perfect for this task!
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Return to Pan:
- Pour the blended soup back into the clean pan. Heat it gently over low heat.
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Season and Add Milk:
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the milk and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
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Prepare Cream Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually add the scalded cream, whisking continuously until well combined.
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Combine Cream Mixture with Soup:
- Slowly pour the cream mixture into the soup, stirring constantly. Be sure not to let the soup boil at this stage to prevent curdling.
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Final Touches:
- Once heated through, but not boiling, the Cream of Lettuce Soup is ready to be served.
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley and/or spring onions for added freshness and flavor.
Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- To make the soup ahead of time, leave out the beaten egg yolks and scalded cream. Add them just before reheating and serving.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, omit the beaten egg yolks and scalded cream until the soup is thawed and reheated.
- Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite herbs and spices for a unique twist.
- Serve this soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 468.7
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22.2g
- Cholesterol: 208.5mg
- Sodium: 514.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 21.2g
- Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugar: 6.6g
- Protein: 12.9g
Cream of Lettuce Soup is a versatile dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Its creamy texture and subtle flavors make it a comforting choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, as a snack, or even freezing it for later, this soup is bound to be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy every spoonful of this delicious creation. 🥄🌿