| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 120 | 7g | 4g | 13g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 2g | 3g | 1g |
There’s something incredibly rewarding about a dish that brings together simplicity, health, and a burst of flavor. Lamb’s lettuce soup with crème fraîche is one of those recipes that strikes a perfect balance. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a cozy, wholesome creation that has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I crave something nourishing yet elegant.
Pacific Northwest Inspiration
Living in Seattle, I’ve always been surrounded by fresh produce and a love for clean, seasonal ingredients. One of the many reasons this soup resonates with me is its reliance on fresh vegetables and simple, deliberate flavors. The lamb’s lettuce, with its subtle, slightly nutty taste, combines beautifully with the creamy richness of crème fraîche. The result is a dish that feels light yet satisfyingly creamy.
A Nod to Japanese Simplicity
While this soup may feel distinctively European, it shares a philosophy with many traditional Japanese dishes: respect for the natural flavors of the ingredients. In Japan, simplicity is key, and each component of the dish is allowed to shine. Here, the onion and garlic provide a fragrant base, while the potatoes add body, making each spoonful a comforting delight. The health benefits are also noteworthy. Lamb’s lettuce is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A and folate, which are great for maintaining good health.
As someone who cherishes nutritious eating without sacrificing flavor, I find this soup to be a perfect fit. It’s similar in essence to other vegetable-based soups like pea soup or asparagus soup but with its unique twist of lamb’s lettuce. The addition of crème fraîche adds a luxurious touch, making it an ideal starter for an intimate dinner or a comforting main course when paired with a salad and crusty bread.
Customizable and Pairable
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. You can garnish it with croutons for added texture or fresh herbs such as chives or parsley to elevate the flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside a grilled salmon or a simple roasted vegetable platter for a well-rounded, healthful meal.
In the end, Lamb’s lettuce soup with crème fraîche is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients crafted into something far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the kind of dish that not only warms you up but also leaves you feeling nourished and content. If you’re looking for a way to bring more fresh, flavorful recipes into your life, this soup is a marvelous place to start.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups lamb’s lettuce, washed and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche
- Optional: Croutons for garnish
- Optional: Fresh herbs (such as chives or parsley) for garnish
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step Two
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step Three
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Step Four
Stir in the lamb’s lettuce and cook for another 5 minutes, just until the lettuce is wilted.
Step Five
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot if using a blender.
Step Six
Season the soup with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Step Seven
Stir in the crème fraîche until it is well combined and the soup is creamy.
Step Eight
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with croutons and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
