Sweet cabbage soup with smoked meat

Sweet cabbage soup with smoked meat: a culinary treasure for the soul

Sweet cabbage soup with smoked meat is a traditional dish that brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort in every bowl. This tasty soup, with its rich flavors and varied textures, offers a perfect balance between the sweetness of cabbage and the saltiness of the smoked meat. It is said that soup recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, with each family having its own version, full of traditions and memories.

Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 200g smoked ham (home-cured)
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 500g fresh cabbage
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 parsnip
- 1 celery
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 onion
- About 10 cm of leek (white part)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 egg yolk
- 150g sour cream
- 100ml milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with honey
- Fresh dill for garnish

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Clean the vegetables: carrots, parsley, parsnip, celery, and bell pepper, then cut them into small cubes. Cut the cabbage into fine strips and the leek into thin rounds. These details will contribute to a uniform texture of the soup.

2. Blanching the cabbage
Put a large pot of water on the heat and add a teaspoon of salt. When the water boils, add the sliced cabbage and let it blanch for 5 minutes. Blanching will help soften the cabbage and reduce bitterness, making the soup more enjoyable.

3. The aromatic sofritto
In a separate pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, leek, and finely chopped bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vegetables become translucent and the flavors are released.

4. Adding vegetables and smoked meat
Once the onion is ready, add the cubes of carrot, parsley, parsnip, and celery. Continue to sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. At this point, add the diced smoked ham, mixing everything well. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and sweet paprika to enhance the flavors.

5. Cooking the soup
Add the blanched cabbage to the pot and mix well. Cover everything with about 4 liters of water and add the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, until all the vegetables are well cooked and the flavors have melded.

6. The cream mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolk with the sour cream, apple cider vinegar with honey, cornstarch, and milk. This mixture will add a pleasant creaminess to the soup. After the soup has boiled, take a ladle of the hot broth and gradually add it to the bowl with the sour cream, mixing well. Then, pour the mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the egg.

7. Finishing the soup
Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Sprinkle chopped fresh dill on top for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

Serving suggestions
Sweet cabbage soup with smoked meat is served hot, alongside fresh hot peppers for a pleasant contrast. A slice of homemade bread or warm polenta can perfectly accompany this dish. This meal is ideal for a family gathering but also for a get-together with friends.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of sweet cabbage soup with smoked meat contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, while the smoked meat provides protein and a savory taste. This soup can help improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can add potatoes or beans to make the soup heartier. You can also replace the smoked meat with chicken or beef for a lighter version. For a spicier note, add some chopped hot peppers during cooking.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use pickled cabbage instead of fresh cabbage?
Yes, but it is important to adjust the amount of salt, as pickled cabbage is already salty.

2. How can I make the soup more sour?
You can add more vinegar or lemon juice, depending on your preferences.

3. Can the soup be frozen?
The soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain the texture of the vegetables.

Sweet cabbage soup with smoked meat is a dish that brings warmth and joy to every meal. So let's sit at the table, savor this delicacy, and enjoy the moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 200g smoked ham (homemade ham) 1 tablespoon of oil 500g fresh cabbage 2 carrots 1 parsley 1 parsnip 1 celery red bell pepper 1 onion A little leek (about 10cm stem-white part) 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 2 sprigs of thyme Salt Pepper 1 egg yolk 150g sour cream 100ml milk 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with honey Fresh dill

 Tags:  soup cabbage smoked flavor