Puntarska Kiselica with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach leaves 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach leaves
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant.
2. 2.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil.
3. 3.
   Add the spinach leaves and diced potatoes to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. 4.
   Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
6. 6.
   Return the pot to low heat and stir in the lemon zest and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Cook the soup for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.
8. 8.
   Serve the Puntarska Kiselica with a Twist hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves before using them in the soup to remove any dirt or grit.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or a fine grater to zest the lemon, being careful to only remove the outer colored part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can blend half of the soup and leave the other half chunky.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to enhance the tanginess of the soup.
• Serve the Puntarska Kiselica with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Puntarska Kiselica with a Twist hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Puntarska Kiselica with a Twist in individual soup bowls, ensuring that the vibrant green color of the soup is visible. Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an appetizing presentation.