Peasant soup with pork

Peasant soup with pork meat

Peasant soup with pork meat is an emblematic dish, full of flavors and tradition, that brings together simple ingredients, yet the elevation of the results gives it an honorable place in the heart of any meal. Whether served on a cool day or at a family gathering, this soup not only satisfies the taste buds but also reminds us of the meals spent with loved ones. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy, step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 650-700 g pork shoulder (or chop)
- 2-3 carrots
- 1-2 parsley roots
- 1 small piece of celery (optional)
- 1-2 large onions
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1 bell pepper (or red/yellow/green pepper)
- 1-2 fresh tomatoes (optional)
- 200-250 ml tomato juice
- 500 ml sauerkraut juice (borscht or lemon juice)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste
- Sweet or hot paprika, to taste (optional)
- 2-3 large potatoes
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
- 1 bunch of chopped fresh parsley (for serving)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the meat
Start by washing the pork meat well under cold running water. Cut it into medium-sized cubes for even cooking. Put 3-4 liters of water in a large pot (5 liters) and add the meat. Turn the heat to medium and let it boil. As the meat boils, you will notice foam forming on the surface. Don’t forget to periodically remove it with a skimmer to achieve a clear and tasty soup.

2. Preparing the vegetables
Clean and wash all the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, and grate the carrots, parsley roots, and celery (if you choose to use it). Cut the potatoes into medium-sized cubes, and you can dice the tomatoes into small pieces. Cut the bell pepper into strips.

3. Sautéing the vegetables
In a large frying pan, heat the oil. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the remaining vegetables (except the potatoes) and sauté over high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Sautéing the vegetables not only intensifies their flavor but also gives them a vibrant color, transforming the soup into a visual feast. Be careful not to burn them, as they will become bitter!

4. Assembling the soup
When the meat is almost cooked (after about 30 minutes), add the sautéed vegetables to the pot. Let it boil together for 15-20 minutes. Then add the potatoes and continue to boil for another 15-20 minutes until all the ingredients are cooked.

5. Acidifying and seasoning
Finally, add the tomato juice and, if necessary, the sauerkraut juice, borscht or lemon juice, depending on your preferences. Let the soup boil for 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and paprika as desired. A special touch of flavor is added by crushed garlic, which you can add just before turning off the heat to keep its fresh aroma.

6. Serving
The peasant soup is served hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley and optionally with hot pepper. You can accompany it with a spoonful of sour cream, which will add a creamy and delicious note.

Practical tips:
- You can replace pork with beef or poultry, depending on your preferences.
- In the warm season, you can also add peas or green beans for an extra freshness.
- If you don’t have tomato juice, use fresh tomatoes or tomato paste.
- Experiment with different herbs like dill or lovage to further customize the soup's flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Peasant soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables used. Pork provides quality protein, and adding fiber-rich vegetables helps with healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
- Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option and can be successfully used in this recipe.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
- Add fresh hot pepper or chili flakes during cooking for an extra kick.

3. How long can the soup be stored in the fridge?
- The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the taste gets even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

4. Can I freeze the soup?
- Yes, the soup can be frozen in airtight containers, but it’s recommended not to add sour cream before freezing; add it when serving.

Peasant soup with pork meat is a recipe that combines tradition with the comfort of a homemade dish. I encourage you to try this recipe and adapt it to your personal taste. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 650-700 g pork shoulder (or chop) 2-3 carrots 1-2 parsley roots 1 small piece of celery (optional) 1-2 larger onions 3-4 cloves of garlic 1 bell pepper (or red/yellow/green pepper) 1-2 fresh tomatoes (optional) 200-250 ml tomato juice about 500 ml cabbage juice (borscht or juice from a lemon) salt, to taste ground pepper, to taste sweet or hot paprika, to taste (optional) 2-3 larger potatoes 3-4 tablespoons of oil (for sautéing the vegetables) 1 bunch of chopped fresh parsley (for serving)

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