Finnish Summer Soup
A refreshing Finnish summer soup featuring fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for warm days. Light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, ideal for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 4 to 6 potatoes, peeled and halved
- 6 small boiling onions or 6 green onions, cut in 3-inch pieces ⓘ
- 12 very small carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fresh green beans ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons basil (optional) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh peas or 10 ounces frozen peas ⓘ
- 2 cups skimmed evaporated milk ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- salt to taste (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat water to boiling in a 5-quart pan.
- Add potatoes and reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add onions, carrots, green beans, and garlic powder.
- Add basil, if desired.
- Add margarine and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes more.
- Add peas and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until they are crisp-tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute the evaporated milk with heavy cream or a plant-based milk alternative. To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley instead of basil. If you're short on time, use pre-cut vegetables or even frozen mixed vegetables as a shortcut. This soup is versatile; feel free to mix in leftover roasted vegetables for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Finnish Summer Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs for an added touch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Cottage Cheese Special for a delightful combination. This soup is also perfect as a light lunch or as a starter for a larger dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or additional milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Finnish Summer Soup contains roughly 1720 calories, with 34g protein, 298g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (154% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1306mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh for this soup?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen vegetables like peas and green beans. They can save you time and are often just as nutritious as fresh ones. Simply add them to the soup towards the end of cooking to ensure they remain crisp and vibrant.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Ensure that the margarine used is plant-based, and you can also enhance the flavors by adding vegetable broth instead of water. For extra protein, consider tossing in some cooked lentils or chickpeas.
What can I add if I want to make the soup heartier?
To make the soup heartier, you can add cooked pasta, rice, or even quinoa. These additions will not only provide more substance but also complement the vegetables beautifully. Additionally, incorporating some diced tofu or beans can enhance the protein content.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).