Vegetable soup with pork

Vegetable soup with pork is a traditional recipe that brings warmth and comfort in every bowl. This rich soup is perfect for cool days when we crave a comforting meal. With simple ingredients and accessible cooking techniques, vegetable soup with pork becomes not just a dish, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together around the table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 3.5 liters of water
- 600 g of pork shoulder (choose lean meat for better flavor)
- 150 g of peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3 medium potatoes (preferably red or yellow-skinned)
- 1 small piece of celery (about 100 g)
- 1 carrot (juicy, preferably organic)
- 1 onion (white or yellow, depending on preference)
- 1 bell pepper (can be red or green, for extra color)
- 1 cup of broth (you can use tomato broth or concentrated tomato sauce)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive oil, for a refined taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish and flavor)
- Fresh lovage (optional, but very aromatic)
- Salt (to taste)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the ingredients well. Cut the pork into cubes of about 2-3 cm, so it cooks evenly. Peel and cut the vegetables (carrot, potatoes, celery, bell pepper) into cubes or slices, depending on preference. Chop the onion finely.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrot, bell pepper, and potatoes. Let the vegetables sauté together for about 5 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors and provide a deeper taste to the soup.

3. Adding the meat: Add the pork cubes to the pot and mix well, so they absorb the flavors of the vegetables. Cook them together for 5-7 minutes until the meat starts to brown slightly.

4. Incorporating the broth: Add the broth to the pot and stir. Let it boil for 1 minute to combine the flavors.

5. Boiling the soup: Pour the water into the pot, ensuring that all the ingredients are covered. Let the soup simmer on low heat, covered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat and vegetables are tender. It is essential to check occasionally, stirring to prevent sticking.

6. Finalizing the soup: When the vegetables are soft, adjust the taste with salt. Add the chopped parsley and lovage for an extra touch of freshness and flavor. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving suggestions: Vegetable soup with pork is delicious served with a spoonful of sour cream on top, adding creaminess. If you enjoy more intense flavors, you can add a few drops of the brine from pickled hot peppers or a few drops of vinegar for a delicious contrast.

Tips and variations:

- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, to diversify the recipe.
- Instead of pork, you can use chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- The soup can be enriched with a few peppercorns or bay leaves for additional flavor.

Nutritional benefits: Vegetable soup with pork is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The vegetables provide fiber, which aids digestion, while the pork offers essential nutrients like iron and zinc. This recipe is also relatively low in calories, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken, turkey, or even beef, depending on your preferences.
- How can I store the soup for longer? The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze individual portions to enjoy later.
- What other recipes go well with this soup? You can accompany the soup with warm polenta or freshly baked homemade bread, which will absorb the delicious flavors of the soup.

Vegetable soup with pork is more than just a simple meal; it is a recipe full of memories and moments spent with loved ones. Prepare it with love and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 3.5 l water, 600 g pork pulp, 150 g peas, 3 potatoes, 1 small piece of celery, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 1 cup broth, 3 tablespoons oil, parsley, lovage, salt

 Tags:  pork soup