Tomato soup with pork

Tomato Soup with Pork: A Savory Delight!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Tomato soup with pork is not only a tasty dish but also a recipe full of tradition, bringing together the savory flavors of fresh vegetables and the richness of pork. This soup is a symbol of family meals, often served on cool days, providing warmth and comfort. It is perfect for summer days when tomatoes are abundant, but it can be enjoyed in any season, thanks to the versatility of the ingredients.

Ingredients:

- 1.5 kg pork with bone
- 1 kg cherry tomatoes (fresh or frozen)
- 700 ml tomato juice
- 2 carrots
- 1 small celery
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 2 potatoes
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon pepper paste
- a few slices of chili pepper (optional)
- 200-300 ml cabbage juice
- lovage leaves
- salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Meat:

Start by placing the pork in a large pot, adding enough water to cover it slightly. Bring to a boil over medium heat. This step is essential for extracting flavors from the meat and creating a rich base for the soup.

Tip: Changing the water after a few minutes of boiling helps eliminate impurities and results in a clearer, tastier soup.

2. Boiling the Meat:

After changing the water, add a little salt and let the meat boil well until it becomes tender and easily separates from the bone. This may take about 40-50 minutes.

Trick: If you want more tender meat, you can add a teaspoon of vinegar to the water. Vinegar helps break down proteins and improves the meat's texture.

3. Preparing the Vegetables:

Meanwhile, wash, peel, and chop the vegetables. Cut the carrots, celery, parsnip, parsley root, and potatoes into small cubes, and finely chop the bell pepper. Cherry tomatoes, whether fresh or frozen, can be chopped using a food processor for a uniform consistency.

Frequently Asked Question: Can I use canned tomatoes? Sure! Canned tomatoes are an excellent alternative, especially in the cold season.

4. Adding the Meat to the Soup:

Once the meat is boiled and has cooled slightly, remove it from the pot, clean it from the bones, and cut it into cubes. Add the meat to the pot along with the prepared vegetables (except for the cherry tomatoes). Let it boil together for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables become tender.

5. Finishing the Soup:

After the vegetables are cooked, add the cherry tomatoes, tomato juice, and cabbage juice (this should be boiled beforehand). Also add the pepper paste and chili slices if you want a bit of spiciness. Let the soup boil for another 5-10 minutes.

Tip: If you prefer a more sour soup, you can adjust the amount of cabbage juice or add lemon juice.

6. Seasoning:

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the flavor with salt and pepper to your liking. Add finely chopped lovage leaves for an extra flavor boost.

Serving:

Serve the tomato soup with pork hot, adding 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream on top. This will add a pleasant creaminess and balance the intense flavors of the soup.

Serving suggestion: You can accompany the soup with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons to make the meal even more satisfying.

Nutritional Benefits:

Tomato soup with pork is not only delicious but also nutritious. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while pork provides essential proteins. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.

Possible Variations:

- Vegetarian Soup: You can replace the meat with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version while keeping the delicious flavors of the vegetables and tomatoes.
- Spicy Soup: Add more chili or a few drops of hot sauce to intensify the flavors.
- Soup with Pasta: Add some short pasta, such as penne or fusilli, at the end to turn the soup into a hearty main dish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- How long does the soup last in the fridge? The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- Can the soup be frozen? Yes, tomato soup with pork can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add sour cream before freezing. You can add it when serving.

Conclusion:

Tomato soup with pork is an excellent choice for a family meal full of warmth and love. With each bite, you will feel how the flavors intertwine, bringing a touch of tradition to your plate. Experiment with the ingredients and adapt the recipe to your tastes. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: pork with bone 1.5kg 1 kg cherry tomatoes (I had frozen) 700 ml tomato juice 2 carrots 1 small celery 1 parsnip 1 parsley root 2 potatoes 1 bell pepper 1 tablespoon pepper paste a few slices of hot pepper 200-300 ml of cabbage juice lovage leaves salt, pepper

 Tags:  tomato soup