This soup from Ecuador is also known as Spring Soup, since it uses vegetables first available during spring. It is a traditional dish during Lent since it contains fish and no other meat product. There are plenty of ingredients and steps in this recipe, but the process is not very difficult. If you use canned vegetables, you cut down on your preparation time dramatically.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of salt cod
  • 1/4 cup of butter
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 cup of rice that was previously cooked in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of cooked corn kernels
  • 2-1/2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 cups cooked and mashed squash
  • 2 cups cooked, and chopped zucchini
  • 1 cup of baby lima beans or fava beans
  • 1 cup of cooked green peas
  • 1 cup of cooked green beans cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup of ground peanuts
  • 4 cups of milk
  • 1 cup of light cream
  • 1 cup Spanish fresco cheese or queso blanco or Munster
  • 3 hard boiled eggs, sliced

Directions

Salt cod is dried and very hard. It must be soaked before using. Soak the cod in enough cold water to cover it. Soak for at least 12 hours, and preferably 24. Change the water frequently. Drain the fish and put it in a saucepan with enough fresh water to cover it. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the fish is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove the fish, but retain the fish water. Remove any skin and bones from the fish. Cut into = inch pieces.

Heat the butter in large saucepan and sauti the onion and garlic until the onion is soft. Add the dry seasonings and sauti an additional minute. Add 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Add all the remaining ingredients, except the cheese and egg. Don't forget to add the fish and fish water.

Lower the heat to a simmer and gently cook for about 5 minutes. If the soup seems too thick, add a little bit more milk to thin it out and simmer a few more minutes. Add the cheese. Stir and the soup is now ready to serve.

When the soup has been poured into soup bowls, garnish each serving with a slice of egg.


Serves 10

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Submitted 6/13/05.
Source: Internet
Submitted By: Marlen
matchlessm@aol.com
Fanesca