Smoked meat soup

Smoked Meat Soup – a Recipe Full of Flavors and Tradition

Smoked meat soup is one of those recipes that reminds you of family days, the warmth of home, and the lavish meals prepared with love. This soup is a perfect combination of the deep taste of smoked bones and the freshness of vegetables, making it an excellent choice for a weekend meal. Let’s venture together into preparing this delicious recipe that will fill our home with aromas and bring smiles to our faces.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 kg smoked bones (ideally ribs and spine)
- 500 ml borscht
- 2 large onions
- 3 carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable mix (dried vegetable mix)
- 150 ml tomato sauce
- 3 l water
- 1 large potato
- A bunch of lovage
- A bunch of parsley
- A small piece of celery
- 2 rolls of noodles or homemade pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the bones: Start by washing the smoked bones well under cold running water. This will remove impurities and excess salt. Then, place them in a large pot with water and bring to a boil for 5-10 minutes. This step is essential to clean the meat from impurities that could affect the soup's taste.

2. Washing the bones: After boiling, remove the bones from the water using a skimmer and rinse them in warm water. This step will ensure a clean and fresh taste for the soup.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the bones are boiling, chop the vegetables. Cut the carrots, onion, peppers, and potato into small cubes, and you can cut the celery in half. These vegetables will add sweetness and a special flavor to the soup.

4. Boiling the bones and vegetables: In another large pot, add the 3 l of water and the smoked bones. When the water starts to boil, add the chopped vegetables and the tied bunches of lovage and parsley. These will infuse the soup with fresh aromas.

5. Adding tomato sauce and vegetable mix: After about 30 minutes of boiling, add the tomato sauce and the dried vegetable mix. These ingredients will give a pleasant color to the soup and enhance the flavor.

6. Boiling the borscht: While the soup is boiling, put the borscht in another pot and bring it to a boil. This step will ensure a pleasant acidity in the soup, an essential element for adding flavor.

7. Finalizing the soup: When the meat from the bones starts to detach, add the boiled borscht to the soup. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes, then add the noodles or pasta. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Adjusting the taste: Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. This is the perfect time to ensure the soup is seasoned according to your preferences.

9. Serving: Once the soup is ready, finely chop the bunches of greens and add them on top. Serve the smoked meat soup hot, alongside a hot pepper for those who love a bit of spice. A personal recommendation would be to complement the meal with a plum brandy, which will add an extra touch of flavor and tradition.

Nutritional Benefits:
Smoked meat soup is an excellent source of protein due to the smoked bones, and the vegetables provide an important supply of vitamins and minerals. Carrots and celery are rich in antioxidants, while fresh greens contribute additional nutrients. This soup is nourishing and comforting, ideal for chilly days.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use pork or beef bones? Yes, you can use any type of smoked bones, even chicken bones. The taste will vary, but the result will be delicious.
- How can I make the soup more sour? If you want a more sour soup, you can add more borscht or even a splash of vinegar.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can experiment with vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or even mushrooms for a different flavor.

Possible Variations:
- Smoked meat soup with horseradish: Add a teaspoon of grated horseradish for a spicy note.
- Smoked meat soup with sorrel: Replace lovage with sorrel for a more tangy and refreshing taste.
- Vegetarian smoked meat soup: You can replace the smoked bones with a mix of smoked vegetables or smoked tofu for a vegetarian option.

This smoked meat soup recipe is not just a dish, but an experience that takes you back to culinary traditions and moments spent with loved ones. So, put on your chef's clothes, gather your ingredients, and let’s cook together a soup that will bring joy to your table! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg smoked bones (I had ribs and back) 500 ml borscht 2 large onions 3 carrots red bell pepper yellow bell pepper 3 tablespoons of mixed vegetables 150 ml tomato sauce 3 l water 1 large potato A bunch of lovage A bunch of parsley A small piece of celery Two rolls of homemade noodles or pasta Salt, pepper

 Tags:  smoked meat soup smoked bones