Vegetable soup with smoked meat

Vegetable Borscht with Smoked Meat - A Soul Recipe

Who doesn't love a warm borscht with a rich and comforting taste? This recipe for vegetable borscht with smoked meat is perfect for chilly days or even for hot summer days when you want to cool off with a delicious dish. Borscht is a traditional dish that reminds us of family meals and moments spent with loved ones. Additionally, it is a versatile recipe that allows you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 500 g smoked shoulder
- 500 g smoked pork knuckle
- 2 l borscht
- 5-6 young carrots
- 2-3 onions
- 1 parsnip root
- 2-3 zucchini
- 1 head of cabbage
- 2-3 potatoes
- 1 red or green bell pepper
- 2 dried hot peppers
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh or dried thyme
- Sweet paprika
- Lovage, dill, and parsley, finely chopped
- 3-4 egg yolks
- 3-4 healthy tablespoons of sour cream
- 1 head of garlic

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Smoked Meat
Start by cutting the smoked meat into portions and washing it well under cold running water. This will help remove excess salt and impurities. Then, blanch the smoked meat for a few minutes in boiling water, then remove it and let it drain.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables
Peel, wash, and cut the vegetables into small pieces. The onion, carrots, parsnip, bell pepper, zucchini, potatoes, and cabbage will form the delicious base of this borscht. Make sure all the vegetables are similar in size for even cooking.

Step 3: Boiling the Vegetables
Put about 2 liters of water to boil in a large pot, add a teaspoon of salt, and add the chopped vegetables. Let them boil for 10 minutes until they become slightly soft.

Step 4: Adding the Smoked Meat
After the vegetables have boiled, add the previously prepared smoked meat. Boil everything together for 15-20 minutes so that the flavors can combine.

Step 5: Preparing the Borscht
Meanwhile, bring the borscht to a boil in another pot. When it's ready, add it to the pot with the vegetables and smoked meat. Add thyme, sliced dried hot peppers, and let everything boil for 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Final Seasoning
Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Add the sweet paprika, finely chopped dill, parsley, and lovage. Turn off the heat and cover the pot for a few minutes to let the flavors intensify.

Step 7: Preparing the Garlic Sauce
In a bowl, crush the head of garlic with salt and add water, mixing well to get a delicious garlic sauce.

Step 8: Serving
Meanwhile, mix the egg yolks with the sour cream until creamy. When you're ready to serve the borscht, add 3-4 tablespoons of sour cream with yolks and garlic sauce to taste in each bowl. This mixture will provide a rich taste and a velvety texture.

Step 9: Garnish
The borscht is served hot, alongside green or pickled hot peppers, and fresh homemade bread. If you like a spicier taste, you can also add a few slices of fresh hot pepper.

Practical Tips

- Variety of Vegetables: This recipe is extremely flexible. You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or peas, depending on your preferences.
- Types of Smoked Meat: Depending on what you have on hand, you can experiment with different types of smoked meat, such as smoked sausages, bacon, or even smoked fish for a unique twist.
- Recommended Drinks: Borscht pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or fresh fruit compote.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A serving of borscht has approximately 250-300 calories, making it a healthy option due to the fiber-rich vegetables and protein from the smoked meat. It is a nourishing meal that will give you energy for the whole day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are an excellent option, especially out of season. Make sure to thaw them and let them drain before adding them to the borscht.

How can I store the borscht?
Borscht stores very well in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for later use, but it is recommended not to add sour cream until you serve it.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can exclude the smoked meat and replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! I wish you a good appetite and wonderful moments with your loved ones, savoring this vegetable borscht with smoked meat, full of flavors and soul.

 Ingredients: A bors that is easy to make, with any kind of vegetables you have on hand and enriched with smoked meat, egg yolk, sour cream, and garlic sauce. The key is to have patience - 500 g of smoked ribs; - 500 g of smoked pork knuckle; - 2 liters of bors; - 5-6 young carrots; - 2-3 onions; - 1 parsnip root; - 2-3 zucchinis; - 1 head of cabbage; - 2-3 potatoes; - 1 red or green bell pepper; - 2 dried hot peppers; - salt; - pepper; - fresh or dried thyme; - sweet paprika; - lovage; - dill; - parsley; - 3-4 egg yolks; - 3-4 generous tablespoons of sour cream; - 1 head of garlic.