Potato soup with tarragon and ham

I propose a delicious and comforting recipe: potato soup with smoked ham and tarragon. This dish is an excellent choice for cool days, offering a perfect combination of flavors and textures. I will guide you through the steps to achieve a tasty soup, and in the end, you will have a meal that will delight your family and friends.

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

Ingredients:

- 1 kg smoked ham with bone
- 1 kg potatoes (choose varieties that hold well when boiled)
- 1 large onion
- 1 parsley root
- 2 carrots
- 2 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive oil is ideal)
- 3 tablespoons of sweet pepper paste with celery (you can also use store-bought paste, but preferably homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper paste (optional, for an extra kick)
- 3 tablespoons of tarragon in vinegar (this will give the soup a special flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and washing the potatoes well. Cut them into large cubes and place them in cold water to prevent oxidation. This simple technique helps maintain the white color of the potatoes and prevents them from turning brown.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Peel the root vegetables (carrots and parsley root) and cut them into cubes. Peel and finely chop the onion. These vegetables will add a rich flavor and a sweet taste to your soup.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and parsley root. Sauté the vegetables until the onion becomes translucent and starts to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Boiling the ham: In a pressure cooker, add the smoked ham and cover it with water. Boil for 15-20 minutes. This method helps extract the intense flavors from the ham, making the soup richer. After boiling, drain the ham and discard the water to reduce the smoky intensity.

5. Adding water: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add 2 liters of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Adding the pastes: Once the water has started to boil, add the sweet pepper paste with celery and the hot pepper paste if you desire a spicy flavor. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes until the carrot is almost cooked.

7. Adding the potatoes and ham: Drain the potato cubes from the water they were in and add them to the pot along with the boiled ham. Let the soup boil for 10 minutes until the potatoes are well cooked.

8. Seasoning: Finally, season the soup with tarragon in vinegar. Taste and adjust with salt as preferred. The tarragon will add a tangy and fresh flavor, balancing the rich flavors of the ham.

9. Serving: Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley. Offer green hot peppers and red onion from Turda for an extra flavor boost. You can accompany the soup with whole grain rolls baked at home for a complete and healthy meal.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the ham: Choose a quality ham with a balanced smoky flavor. If you prefer a less intense aroma, you can use less smoked ham or even fresh pork.
- Variations: If you want to diversify the recipe, you can add other vegetables such as celery, cauliflower, or zucchini. This will add not only extra nutrients but also an interesting texture.
- Nutritional benefits: Potato soup is filling, full of complex carbohydrates and vitamins. The ham provides essential proteins, and tarragon is known for its digestive and antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can replace the ham with chicken or beef, but the boiling time will vary.
2. How can I make the soup more tangy? Add more tarragon in vinegar or you can add juice from a lemon.
3. What can I do with leftover soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or can be frozen to be consumed later.

This recipe for potato soup with smoked ham and tarragon is not only simple but also full of flavor. You can adapt it according to your preferences, and each serving will bring a comforting warmth on cooler days. So, put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy a delicious meal!

 Ingredients: 1 piece of smoked ham with bone - 1 kg, 1 kg of potatoes, 1 onion, 1 parsley root, 2 carrots, 2 tablespoons of oil, 3 tablespoons of homemade pepper and celery paste, 1/2 teaspoon of homemade hot pepper paste, 3 tablespoons of tarragon in vinegar - homemade, salt, fresh parsley.

 Tags:  potato soup with tarragon and ham soup potatoes tarragon ham soups