Sorrel soup with smoked pork

Sour sorrel soup with smoked pork is a traditional recipe that combines the unmistakable flavors of summer with the richness of smoked meat, creating a comforting and delicious dish. This soup is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings together healthy and flavorful ingredients. Let's embark on this journey together to prepare this soup, step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

- 400 g smoked pork
- 200 g fresh sorrel
- 1 medium onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 50 g rice
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Salt, pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, celery, lovage) for garnish

Preparation

1. Preparing the meat
Start by washing the smoked pork well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, cut the meat into appropriately sized cubes. This will be the base of your soup, bringing a deep and hearty flavor.

2. Boiling the meat
Place the meat in a large pot and add cold water, enough to completely cover it. Put the pot over medium heat and let it boil. When the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the meat simmer for about 30 minutes, or until tender.

3. Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, clean and finely chop the onion, carrot, parsley, and bell peppers (red and yellow). These vegetables will not only add flavor to the soup but also a vibrant color.

4. Sautéing the vegetables
In a skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil and add the chopped vegetables. Sauté them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly translucent and the flavors develop. This step is essential to intensify the taste of the vegetables.

5. Adding the vegetables to the soup
When the meat is almost cooked, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the meat. Continue to simmer everything over low heat for another 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are cooked but still crunchy.

6. Preparing the sorrel
Meanwhile, select the sorrel leaves, removing the older stems that may be fibrous. Wash them well under cold water and chop them finely. Sorrel will add a note of acidity to the soup, an essential element that makes it so refreshing.

7. Adding the rice and sorrel
After the vegetables are ready, add the washed rice to the soup and let everything boil for 5-10 minutes. Finally, add the chopped sorrel and let it soften for a few minutes. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

8. Preparing the sour cream sauce
In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sour cream and crushed garlic. Add a cup of hot soup to the sour cream mixture, stirring well to temper the mixture. This will prevent the sour cream from curdling.

9. Finalizing the soup
Remove the pot from the heat and add the sour cream and egg yolk mixture, stirring quickly to achieve a uniform consistency. Your sour sorrel soup with smoked pork is now ready to be enjoyed!

10. Serving
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs. You can accompany the soup with a slice of fresh bread or polenta for added flavor. This soup is perfect for a summer meal but can be enjoyed in any season.

Practical Tips

- Smoked pork: Choose quality meat, preferably from a local producer, to achieve the best flavors. You can also use other types of smoked meat, such as bacon or pancetta, to slightly change the flavor profile of the soup.

- Sorrel: It is important to choose fresh sorrel with green and tender leaves. If you don't have sorrel on hand, you can use spinach or other sour greens, such as nettles.

- Fresh herbs: Add fresh herbs before serving for an extra touch of flavor and freshness. Parsley and lovage are excellent choices.

Nutritional Benefits

Sour sorrel soup with smoked pork is rich in nutrients. Sorrel is an excellent source of vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants, while pork provides protein and B vitamins. A serving of sour sorrel soup has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used and the type of meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can use chicken, but the flavor of the soup will be different. Chicken adds a lighter flavor, while smoked pork provides a special depth.

- How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. You can freeze the soup, but I recommend adding the fresh sorrel just before serving.

- What drink pairs well with the soup?
A pale lager or a dry white wine pairs perfectly with sour sorrel soup. If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, fresh tomato juice or iced mint tea are excellent choices.

Variations

- Vegetarian sorrel soup: You can make a vegetarian version using vegetables instead of meat and adding tofu or beans to compensate for protein.

- Sorrel soup with potatoes: Add diced potatoes to make the soup heartier. They can be added along with the sautéed vegetables.

Sour sorrel soup with smoked pork is more than just a dish; it is a tradition, a childhood memory, and a way to bring authentic flavors to your table. Try making it and let the tastes of summer carry you away!

 Ingredients: pork meat - macris - 1 onion - 1 red bell pepper - 1 yellow bell pepper - 1 carrot - 1 parsley root - greens - parsley, celery, lovage - 50 g rice - 2 egg yolks - 2 tablespoons sour cream - salt, pepper - 3 cloves of garlic