Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your perception of comfort food forever! This Chicory Rice Soup with Lemon Chili Relish is not just another recipe—it's a magical blend of earthy chicory, tender rice, and a zesty chili kick that will transport your taste buds straight to the rustic kitchens of France. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a dish so extraordinary, it will become your new go-to comfort meal that impresses both family and dinner guests.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicory, chopped
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of chopped chicory, 1 cup of rice, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped chicory to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the chicory to wilt and soften.
- Next, add the rice to the pot and stir to combine it with the vegetables. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the lemon chili relish. In a small bowl, combine the juice of 1 lemon with 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
- Once the rice is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more vegetable broth or water at this stage.
- To serve, ladle the chicory rice soup into bowls and drizzle each serving with the lemon chili relish. Enjoy your delicious French-inspired chicory rice soup!
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp chicory for the best flavor and texture. Look for leaves that are bright green and free from wilting.
- Toast the rice briefly before adding broth to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Use homemade vegetable broth if possible for a more robust taste profile.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions.
- The lemon chili relish is crucial—don't skip it! The bright, spicy condiment elevates the entire dish.
- If chicory is hard to find, you can substitute with endive or even escarole.
- For a protein boost, consider adding some shredded chicken or white beans to the soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
