Peasant pork soup with pickled cabbage

Country-style pork soup with pickled cabbage

Country-style pork soup with pickled cabbage is one of those classic recipes that combines tradition and culinary comfort in a warm bowl, full of aromas and flavors. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, bringing a touch of nostalgia and joy to every plate. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly winter day or an autumn evening, this soup is meant to warm the soul and spread smiles.

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

Ingredients
- 700 g pork (preferably from the shoulder or neck)
- 500 g pickled cabbage, finely chopped
- 2 carrots (one for dicing and one grated)
- 1 parsley root
- 1/2 celery
- 1 colored bell pepper (for a splash of color)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 onion
- 500-800 ml cabbage juice (brine)
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- fresh dill
- fresh parsley
- dried thyme
- salt and pepper, to taste
- oil or butter, for sautéing

Preparation of ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients prepared. The pork should be cut into small cubes to brown evenly and infuse the soup with its flavor. The pickled cabbage, already salty, is chopped finely according to preference.

The carrots, parsley root, and celery will add sweetness and depth to your soup. As for the bell pepper, I recommend using a red or yellow one for a vibrant appearance. Garlic and onion will contribute sweet and savory flavors, while thyme leaves add an irresistible aroma.

Steps for preparation

1. Browning the meat
In a large pot, add a little oil or butter and let it heat up. Add the pork cubes and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until they turn slightly golden. This step will intensify the flavor of the soup and provide a rich taste.

2. Preparing the vegetables
Add the grated carrot to the pot, stirring to combine it with the meat. Let it sauté for a few minutes until it releases its aroma and beautiful color. Then, add the chopped pickled cabbage and mix well.

3. Boiling the soup
Add the necessary water (about 2-3 liters) and let the soup simmer on low heat. Add the whole onion and whole garlic cloves, so you can remove them at the end if you prefer a clearer soup. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 1 hour.

4. Adding the remaining vegetables
After an hour, add the parsley root, celery, and diced bell pepper. Continue to boil the soup until all the vegetables are tender.

5. Binding the soup
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks well with the sour cream and a ladle of hot soup to temper the mixture. This step is important to prevent the egg from curdling in the soup.

6. Finalizing the soup
Start adding the egg mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme and dill leaves. Let the soup come to a final boil, then turn off the heat. Before serving, you can add cabbage juice depending on how sour you like your soup.

7. Serving
Serve the country-style pork soup with fresh parsley on top, alongside a slice of fresh bread. It is delicious and can be accompanied by a bottle of plum brandy or a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Useful tips
- Meat alternatives: If you prefer, you can use beef or even chicken, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Adding other vegetables: You can experiment with adding vegetables like hot peppers or zucchini to vary the flavor.
- Leftovers: The country-style soup keeps well in the fridge and becomes even tastier the next day when the flavors meld.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh cabbage? Pickled cabbage brings a specific taste, but you can also use fresh cabbage, sautéing it before adding it to the soup.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a finely chopped hot pepper during cooking.

Nutritional benefits
This soup is rich in protein due to the pork, and pickled cabbage is an excellent source of probiotics, beneficial for digestion. The vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, so each serving will provide not only a delicious taste but also valuable nutrients.

Country-style pork soup with pickled cabbage is not just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together, creating unforgettable memories. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 700 g pork meat, 500 g finely chopped sour cabbage, 2 carrots, 1 parsley root, 1/2 celery, 1 colored bell pepper, 3 garlic cloves, 1 onion, 500-800 ml sour cabbage juice, 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons sour cream, fresh dill, fresh parsley, thyme, salt, pepper.