Smoked bone soup

Smoked Bone Soup – a comforting delicacy

Smoked bone soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is a story, a memory filled with flavor and warmth. I grew up with the unmistakable aroma of this soup in my mother's house, and now I am excited to share its secret with you. It is a perfect recipe for spring when we want to detoxify our bodies after the holidays and avoid colds. So, get ready to discover how to create a delicious soup, full of nutrients and flavors.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour (1 hour and 30 minutes for smoked bones)
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes (1 hour and 45 minutes for smoked bones)
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg smoked pork bones or ribs (I recommend ribs for a richer taste)
- 1 large carrot
- 1 dried onion
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for a splash of color)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato juice (freshly squeezed or canned, but of good quality)
- 1 tablespoon of rice (make sure it is well washed)
- 1 egg (fresh, ideally from a farm)
- 1 pinch of lemon salt
- 1 pinch of salt
- Fresh herbs: dill, parsley, and lovage (for a vibrant taste)

Preparing the smoked bone soup:

1. Preparing the pots and ingredients
Start by choosing a large pot with a capacity of 4 liters, which will allow the ingredients to boil evenly. Place the pork bones or smoked ribs in the pot and cover them with cold water. It is essential that the water is cold to allow better extraction of flavors from the meat and bones.

2. Boiling the bones
Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. Add a pinch of salt. As the water begins to boil, foam will form on the surface. It is important to skim well using a skimmer to remove impurities and achieve a clear and delicious soup.

3. Adding the vegetables
After skimming the soup, add the finely chopped onion, sliced carrot, and diced bell pepper. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to the soup. Continue to simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes.

4. Cooking the rice
After 30 minutes, add the well-washed rice to the soup. This will help thicken the soup slightly and add a pleasant texture. Cook everything for 10-15 minutes until the rice is cooked.

5. Sour the soup
When the meat easily comes off the bones, it is time to sour the soup. Add a pinch of lemon salt for a fresh and vibrant taste. This step is essential as the acidity will balance the rich flavors of the smoked meat.

6. Incorporating the egg
Beat the egg in a bowl. Using a ladle, take a few spoonfuls of the soup and pour them over the egg, stirring continuously. This step will temper the egg so that it does not coagulate suddenly when added to the soup. Once you have filled the bowl, pour the mixture back into the pot and stir well.

7. Finalizing the soup
After mixing in the egg, remove the pot from heat. Add the finely chopped herbs - dill, parsley, and lovage - for an extra boost of flavor and freshness. These not only enhance the taste but also bring a pleasant appearance to your soup.

8. Serving the soup
Smoked bone soup is served hot, with fresh hot chili if you like a spicy taste. You can accompany it with a slice of homemade bread or warm polenta. This combination will make every bite a true feast.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can replace part of the water with meat broth.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, depending on your preferences.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the flavor will intensify as it sits.

Nutritional benefits:
Smoked bone soup is rich in protein due to the pork and egg, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, smoked bones are an excellent source of collagen, which helps with joint and skin health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken or turkey, but the taste will be different.
- How can I make the soup more sour?
You can add more lemon juice or white wine vinegar, depending on your preferences.

This smoked bone soup is not just a dish, but a ritual that brings family and friends together. Whether you serve it at a holiday meal or on an ordinary day, every bite will remind you of the warmth of home and the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of pork bones or smoked ribs (I chose ribs); 1 carrot; 1 dried onion; 1 bell pepper; 2 tablespoons of tomato juice; 1 tablespoon of rice; 1 egg; a pinch of lemon salt; a pinch of salt; Fresh herbs: dill, parsley, and lovage.