Smoked meat soup

Smoked broth: a traditional taste treat

Smoked broth is a recipe that reminds us of Sunday dinners with loved ones in a warm and story-filled atmosphere. This soup combines the flavor of smoked meat with the freshness of vegetables, resulting in a comforting and delicious dish. Whether it's a chilly winter's day or you simply want to enjoy an authentic taste, smoked meat soup is the perfect choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients
- 1 smoked chive (about 800 g)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 parsley root, cleaned and diced
- 1 parsnip root, peeled and diced
- 1 slice celery, finely chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 l stock, pre-boiled
- 1 cube vegetable concentrate (optional)
- Noodles (about 100 g)
- Finely chopped greens (parsley, parsley, dill)
- Chilli peppers (to serve)
- Cream (to serve)
- Croutons (to serve)

Preparing smoked meat soup

1. Preparing the chickpeas: Wash the smoked chickpeas well under cold running water. Place it in a large pot and add 2-2.5 liters of water. Put the pot on a medium heat and simmer slowly. Use a skimmer to remove any impurities that form on the surface. Boil the pork for about an hour or until the meat is tender and falls easily off the bone.

2. Removing the chuck: Once the meat has softened, remove the chuck from the pot and allow to cool on a plate. You will keep the resulting juice, which will be the base of your soup.

3. Preparing the vegetables: In the same pot, add 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion. Cook for 1-2 minutes until transparent. Add the diced carrot and the finely chopped off-the-bone meat, stirring well.

4. Adding the potatoes and vegetables: Once the onion and carrot have browned slightly, add the diced potatoes and vegetables (parsley, parsnip and celery). Stew the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, then gradually add the stock in which the chickpeas were cooked to give them a full flavour.

5. Boiling the soup: When the vegetables have started to soften, add the rest of the stock and simmer. After about 10 minutes, add the noodles and simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the noodles are cooked.

6. Adding the broth: Finally, add the pre-boiled broth and let the soup simmer. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.

7. Finalizing the soup: Once you've achieved the desired flavor, set the broth aside and add the chopped greens. This step will add freshness and flavor to your dish.

Serving the smoked broth

Serve the smoked broth warm, with a dollop of cream on top, crunchy croutons and, for those who prefer a little spice, chilli peppers on the side. The rich flavor of this soup pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer, which will complement the meal perfectly.

Useful tips

- Choosing the chorizo: Choose a quality, naturally smoked chorizo for an intense flavor. You can also opt for other types of smoked meat, such as ribs or a piece of pork.
- Seasonal vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables to add extra flavor. You can replace potatoes with zucchini or add chopped cabbage for a different texture.
- Variations: If you prefer a spicier soup, add a few peppercorns or even a sprinkle of chili powder while simmering.

Nutritional benefits

Smoked broth is high in protein thanks to the meat content, and the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Noodles provide carbohydrates, giving extra energy. It is a comforting dish, perfect to warm your body and soul on cold days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the soup be frozen?
Yes, the smoked broth can be frozen, but it is recommended to add the noodles only at serving time to preserve the optimal texture.

2. How can I make the soup more sour?
If you prefer a more sour soup, you can add more stock or the juice of a lemon.

3. What other spices can I use?
You can add bay leaves, thyme or even marjoram to intensify the flavor of the soup.

A personal note

For me, smoked broth is not just a dish, but also a lesson in traditions and tastes handed down from generation to generation. I fondly remember the times I spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, telling me about the secrets of this recipe and the ingredients that make the difference. I hope that you too will find in this soup not only a delicious dish, but also an opportunity to bring your family together for a meal and create beautiful memories. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 smoked ham hock, 1 large onion, 1 carrot, 2 potatoes, 1 parsley root, 1 parsnip, 1 slice of celery, 1 red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 liter of borscht, 1 vegetable stock cube, chili pepper, noodles, parsley, lovage, sour cream.