Cabbage soup with beef and horseradish

Cabbage soup with pork and horseradish - A comforting recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Cabbage soup with pork and horseradish is a traditional Romanian recipe, perfect for cold winter days. This tasty and healthy soup combines the intense flavors of vegetables with meat juice, offering a nourishing meal. Additionally, the horseradish adds a bit of spice, turning this dish into a true delicacy. Let's discover together how to prepare it!

Ingredients:
- 500 g of pork (or beef)
- 1/2 medium cabbage (approximately 400 g), finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2-3 medium potatoes, diced
- 2-3 tablespoons of sunflower oil
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2-3 tablespoons of grated horseradish (or more, to taste)
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing and chopping all the vegetables. The cabbage should be finely chopped, and the carrots and potatoes diced. The onion and bell pepper should be finely chopped. It is important to have all the ingredients prepared before starting to cook to facilitate the process.

Step 2: Cooking the meat
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced pork and brown it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes slightly crispy. This step will enhance the flavor of the meat and add a special depth to the soup.

Step 3: Sautéing the vegetables
Add the onion and carrot to the pot, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Adding the vegetables at this stage will create a flavorful base for the soup. Then, add the diced bell pepper and cabbage. Sauté the vegetables together for about 5-10 minutes until the cabbage softens a bit and releases its aromas.

Step 4: Boiling the soup
Over the sautéed vegetables, add 2-3 liters of water (or enough to cover the ingredients) and let it boil. Then add the potatoes, bay leaves, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Finishing the soup
When the soup is ready, add the grated horseradish, stirring well. The horseradish adds a spicy and fresh taste that will transform the soup into a special dish. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

Step 6: Serving
Serve the cabbage soup with pork and horseradish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. You can add a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess. This soup is ideal for a family meal, being not only healthy but also extremely tasty.

Variation suggestions:
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms or tofu. You can also experiment with different types of vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to add variety to your soup.

This cabbage soup with pork and horseradish is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will surely bring comfort and warmth on cold days. I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy every spoonful!