Lamb's quarters soup with smoked meat and egg strips

Sorrel soup with smoked meat and egg drops

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

Sorrel soup with smoked meat is a traditional dish that combines the rich flavors of smoked meat with the freshness of greens, providing a comforting meal perfect for cool days. This recipe is simple but will captivate you with every spoonful. Let’s embark on this delicious soup-making adventure together!

Ingredients

- 400 g smoked ham (or smoked knuckle)
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root
- A slice of celery
- 1 onion
- 1 potato
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 red bell pepper
- 150-200 g green and/or red sorrel
- 2-3 eggs
- 1 liter of borscht
- 20 ml oil
- 2 teaspoons flour
- 1 bunch of lovage and parsley
- Salt, pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar
- Sour cream for serving
- Vinegar and hot pepper (for souring)

Preparation

1. Preparing the smoked meat
In a large pot, add 3 liters of cold water and bring the pieces of smoked meat to a boil. It is essential to use quality meat, as the smoky flavor will give the soup an unmistakable taste. You can use either ham or knuckle, depending on your preferences.

2. Wash and chop the vegetables
While the smoked meat is boiling, clean and wash all the vegetables. Cut the carrot, parsley root, and celery into thin slices, the onion into cubes, and the bell pepper into strips. The potato should be diced, and the sorrel should be sliced. It is important to have all the ingredients prepared so that you can easily add them during cooking.

3. Sauté the vegetables
In a large skillet or pot, heat a little oil (about 20 ml). Add the carrot and onion and sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly translucent. Continue by adding the parsley, celery, and bell pepper, sautéing all the vegetables for another 5-7 minutes. This step will enhance the flavors and provide a rich taste to the soup.

4. Add sorrel
Finally, add the sautéed sorrel, keeping some aside for the egg drops. Mix all the ingredients and let them cook for a few minutes, adding a little water if necessary. This step will help the sorrel release its flavors.

5. Boil the borscht
In a separate pot, bring the borscht to a boil, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step will ensure that the borscht is fresh and will contribute to the soup's flavor.

6. Combine the ingredients
When the meat is cooked, remove the pieces of smoked meat from the pot, and in the remaining broth, add the sautéed vegetables and the borscht. Let everything simmer together for 15 minutes. Don’t forget to check the taste and add salt, pepper, and optionally, sugar to balance the acidity.

7. Prepare the egg drops
In a small bowl, beat the raw eggs with the chopped sorrel, flour, salt, and pepper. These drops will add an interesting texture to the soup. When the soup is almost ready, move the pot to a small flame and, using a spoon, add the egg mixture, being careful not to let it boil to avoid breaking the drops.

8. Finalizing the soup
Turn off the heat and add the chopped greens (lovage and parsley). These will add a fresh note to the soup and complement the existing flavors.

9. Serving
The soup is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top. For those who love a sour taste, offer vinegar and hot pepper on the side. This combination will transform the soup into an unforgettable culinary experience!

Useful tips

- Choosing the smoked meat: If you prefer a more intense flavor, opt for smoked knuckle. If you want a leaner option, smoked ham is a good choice.
- Variations: You can experiment with other greens, such as spinach or nettles, to diversify the recipe. Additionally, adding rice or noodles can turn the soup into a heartier meal.
- Storage: The soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but the taste will improve as the flavors meld. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutritional benefits

Sorrel soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Sorrel is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, while the smoked meat adds essential proteins. This is a balanced meal, ideal for enjoying with family, providing you with a dose of emotional comfort.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can replace the smoked meat with chicken or beef, but you will need to adjust the cooking time.
- How can I make the soup spicier? You can add fresh hot peppers or spicy paprika during the sautéing of the vegetables for an extra flavor and heat.

This sorrel soup with smoked meat and egg drops is perfect to be served alongside a slice of fresh bread or warm polenta. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!

 Ingredients: 400 g smoked ham (or smoked knuckle) 1 carrot, 1 parsley root, a slice of celery 1 onion, 1 potato 1 bunch of green onions 1 red pepper 150-200 g green and/or red lamb's lettuce 2-3 eggs 1 liter of borscht 20 ml oil 2 teaspoons flour 1 bunch of lovage and parsley salt, pepper, optional 1 teaspoon sugar sour cream for dressing