Potato soup with smoked meat
Potato and Smoked Meat Soup: A Classic and Comforting Recipe
Potato and smoked meat soup is a recipe that reminds us of the abundant meals from childhood, when the aroma of smoked meat intertwined with that of fresh vegetables, filling the house with an unmistakable fragrance. This soup is not just food, but also an experience that connects us with culinary traditions. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be easily prepared, even by those with little cooking experience.
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- 1 large carrot
- 700-800 g potatoes (choose high-starch potatoes for a creamy texture)
- 4-5 pieces of smoked ribs or smoked shoulder (about 400 g)
- 4-5 tablespoons of oil (sunflower oil is ideal for frying)
- 1 tablespoon of peppercorns (freshly ground pepper adds an intense flavor)
- ½ liter of cabbage juice or borscht (cabbage juice provides a pleasant acidity)
- 2 eggs (for added creaminess)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for a fresh and aromatic finish)
- 1 tablespoon of salt (or to taste)
- 100 g sour cream (optional, for a richer taste)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onion and carrot. Chop the onion finely and cut the carrot into small cubes. This will help with even and quick cooking. The potatoes should be peeled, washed, and cut into uniform-sized cubes so they cook at the same time.
2. Starting the cooking: In a pot of about 4 liters, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and carrot. Sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Then add the smoked meat cut into pieces and the peppercorns. Cover the pot with a lid and let them sweat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
3. Boiling: After the smoked meat has started to release its aroma, add 2.5 liters of hot water. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat. When the smoked meat is almost cooked (about 30 minutes), add the cubed potatoes.
4. Adding acidity: After 20 minutes, check if the potatoes are cooked. When they are ready, add the cabbage juice or separately boiled borscht, salt to taste, and let it boil for another 5 minutes.
5. Finalizing the soup: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sour cream. Take a few ladles of the soup and mix them with the beaten eggs, then pour the mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring gently to avoid curdling the eggs.
6. Serving: Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for 5 minutes. Finally, add the chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Serve the soup hot, alongside chili peppers for those who prefer a bit of spice.
Practical tips:
- Choose quality smoked meat for an intense and pleasant flavor.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the smoked meat with smoked mushrooms or a mix of vegetables such as cauliflower and zucchini.
- The soup can be enriched with other vegetables like celery or bell pepper to add texture and flavor.
- Store the soup in the fridge and consume it within the next 2-3 days. It is just as delicious when reheated!
Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in complex carbohydrates from potatoes, which provide long-lasting energy, and in proteins from meat, essential for muscle building. Additionally, the vegetables bring a multitude of vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can experiment with different types of smoked meat, such as sausages or ham.
- How long does the soup keep in the fridge? Generally, the soup can be kept for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
- What drinks pair well with this soup? A cold lager beer or a dry white wine are excellent choices that perfectly complement the soup's flavors.
Variations:
To add a touch of creativity, experiment with different spices, such as sweet or hot paprika. You can also add a few bay leaves during boiling for a more complex flavor.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! With a little effort and a lot of passion, you'll create a potato and smoked meat soup that will impress everyone. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: - 1 large onion- 1 large carrot- 700-800 g potatoes- 4-5 pieces of smoked ribs or spareribs- 4-5 tablespoons oil- 1 tablespoon whole pepper- 1/2l cabbage juice or borscht- 2 eggs- 1 bunch of fresh parsley- 1 tablespoon salt- 100 g sour cream
