Pork soup

Pork soup - a traditional Romanian dish, rich in flavors and full of taste, that brings the family together at the table and warms the souls on a chilly day. This recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary story that takes us back in time, to Sunday gatherings and lavish meals, where each ingredient adds a note of nostalgia. I invite you to explore together the art of preparing a delicious soup, step by step, to achieve a perfect result.

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

Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork (preferably with bone for a richer taste)
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1 small celery
- 1 white onion
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of lovage
- A few pieces of smoked meat (optional, but recommended for an intense flavor)
- 1-2 potatoes or a little pasta (optional)
- 1 l sour borscht
- 2-3 tablespoons concentrated tomato paste
- Approximately 3 l of water
- A little oil for sautéing
- Vegeta (or salt, to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the pork and cutting it into suitably sized cubes. Place the meat cubes in a large pot and add cold water, enough to completely cover them. Put the pot on medium heat and let it boil. It is essential to skim the soup several times to achieve a clear and clean liquid.

2. Preparing the vegetables: While the meat is boiling, clean and wash the vegetables. Cut the carrots and parsnip either into rounds or grate them for a pleasant appearance and intense aroma. Dice the celery and parsley root, chop the onion, and slice the bell pepper.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Add the carrot and parsnip and sauté for a few minutes, stirring constantly. This will intensify the flavors of the vegetables and give the soup a special taste.

4. Adding the vegetables to the soup: Once the meat is almost cooked, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot. They will continue to cook in the soup, blending with the other ingredients. Don't forget to add the pieces of smoked meat if you're using them; they will give the soup a unique flavor.

5. Boiling the potatoes: If you choose to add potatoes, now is the time. Cut them into cubes and add them to the soup. The pasta can be added in the last quarter of the cooking time, so it doesn't become too soft.

6. Enhancing the flavor: In a separate bowl, mix the tomato paste with a little soup broth, then add it to the pot. This is an essential step to achieve a rich soup with an intense flavor.

7. Adding the borscht: Bring the borscht to a boil in a separate pot, along with a little lovage, then add it to the soup. It's important to adjust the taste with salt (or vegeta) and freshly ground pepper, to your preference.

8. Finalizing the soup: Let the soup boil for a few minutes, then turn off the heat. Add the rest of the finely chopped greens, cover the pot, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to combine perfectly.

Serving:

Pork soup is served hot, with a generous spoonful of sour cream on top, and for a spicy touch, a slice of hot pepper or a fresh onion. You can sprinkle a little fresh parsley in the bowl for an attractive appearance.

Practical Tips:

- Meat with bone: Choose meat with bone, as the bones add a deep flavor to the soup.
- Vegetables: You can vary the vegetables according to the season. For example, by adding zucchini or cabbage, you can create interesting variations.
- Borscht: If you prefer a sourer taste, you can add more borscht. In some regions, lemon juice is also added for a fresher taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, chicken soup is just as delicious! The cooking time will be shorter, so adjust accordingly.

- How can I store the soup?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze it, but it's recommended to add fresh pasta only at the time of serving.

- What drinks go well with pork soup?
A cold beer or a dry white wine are excellent choices that perfectly complement the flavors of the soup.

Nutritional Benefits:

Pork soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Pork contains B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism, while the vegetables add fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet.

Pork soup is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings people together. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: kg of pork meat, 2 medium carrots, 1 parsnip, 1 parsley root, 1 small celery, 1 white onion, 1 bunch of green onions, 1 red bell pepper, 1 bunch of fresh parsley, 1 bunch of lovage, a few pieces of smoked meat, 1-2 potatoes or a bit of noodles, 1 liter of sour borscht, concentrated tomato paste, approximately 3 liters of water, a little oil for sautéing, Vegeta, pepper.

 Tags:  soups