Pork and smoked meat soup

Pork and smoked meat soup is a dish that evokes pleasant family memories, being a beloved recipe for many. It combines the aroma of pork with the rich taste of vegetables and smoked meat, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. This soup is enjoyed on cold days but can be savored anytime, providing the warmth and comfort of a dish cooked with love.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 300 g pork shoulder
- 300 g smoked ribs
- 5 medium potatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 small celery (about 100 g)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4-5 tablespoons pepper paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste/puree
- A little oil (2-3 tablespoons)
- A handful of fresh parsley
- A handful of fresh lovage
- Hot pepper, for serving (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the pork well under cold running water. Cut the pork shoulder into cubes of about 3 cm. This will allow the meat to cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the soup.

2. Boiling the meat: Place the meat cubes in a large pot with cold water and add a little salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Once the meat changes color, remove it to a plate and set it aside.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Peel the onion, carrots, and celery. Chop the onion finely, and cut the carrots and celery into small cubes. The potatoes should be cut into suitable pieces; it is recommended to place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent oxidation.

4. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add a little oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent. This step will enhance the flavors of the vegetables.

5. Adding water: After the vegetables have sautéed, add 2.5 liters of warm water and cover the pot. Wait for it to reach a boil.

6. Combining the ingredients: Once the soup is boiling, add the pork, diced potatoes, and smoked ribs. Let everything boil for 20 minutes.

7. Seasoning: After 20 minutes, add the pepper paste, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and let it boil for another 10 minutes. This step will give the soup a vibrant color and delicious flavor.

8. Finalizing the soup: Turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley and lovage for added freshness.

9. Serving: Serve the soup hot, with hot pepper on the side, which will add a bit of spice and perfectly complement the taste. You can pair this soup with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread that will soak up the delicious broth.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the meat: Buy quality pork with a moderate fat content. The fat will contribute to the flavor without making the soup too heavy.
- Fresh vegetables: Use seasonal, fresh vegetables to achieve the best flavors. Frozen vegetables can affect the final texture of the soup.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding other vegetables, such as zucchini or additional carrots, depending on your preferences.
- Canned goods: If you don't have pepper or tomato paste, you can use fresh or canned tomatoes, but make sure to puree them well before adding them to the soup.

Nutritional information:

This soup is an excellent source of protein due to the pork and smoked ribs, but it also contains many vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Each serving of soup has about 350-400 calories, making it a hearty but not too heavy choice.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken instead of pork? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken, but the taste will be different. The soup will be lighter but just as delicious.
- How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh for the best flavors.
- What other spices can I add? You can experiment with bay leaves, thyme, or even garlic for an extra flavor boost.

This pork and smoked meat soup is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that brings you joy and comfort. Cooking it is an opportunity to connect with loved ones, share pleasant moments, and savor the joy of a delicious meal. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 300 g pork (thigh); 300 g smoked ribs; 5 medium potatoes; 1 onion; 2 carrots; 1 small celery root; salt; pepper; 4-5 tablespoons pepper paste; 2 tablespoons tomato paste/broth; a little oil; a handful of parsley; a handful of lovage.

 Tags:  pork soup smoked ribs vegetables christmas soup christmas recipes