Smoked ham hock soup with vegetables, soured with cabbage juice

Smoked ham hock and vegetable soup sour with cabbage juice

In a world full of sophisticated recipes, some dishes always remain in our hearts due to their authentic and comforting taste. Smoked ham hock and vegetable soup sour with cabbage juice is such a dish, rich in history and tradition, reminding us of family Sunday meals. This recipe is not only delicious but also an excellent way to use simple ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 smoked pork hock (approximately 1 kg)
- ¼ celery
- 2 carrots
- 2 onions
- 2 tomatoes
- 2-3 potatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Fresh lovage
- 1 liter of cabbage juice
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the hock: Start by washing the smoked pork hock well under cold running water. This will help remove impurities and achieve a cleaner taste. Then, in a large pot, add the hock and cover it with water. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. Let the hock boil for 40-50 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender enough to easily detach from the bone.

2. Removing the meat: Once the hock is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. After it has cooled slightly, detach the meat from the bone and cut it into suitable cubes. Don’t forget to keep the broth in which the hock was boiled – this will serve as the base for the soup.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the hock is cooling, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Wash and peel the celery, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and bell pepper. Cut the celery and potatoes into cubes, the carrots into rounds, and the onions and bell pepper into small cubes. The tomatoes can also be diced.

4. Cooking the vegetables: Place the chopped vegetables into the strained broth from the boiled hock and let them simmer over medium heat. The soup will gain a special flavor from the smoked hock. After the vegetables are halfway cooked (about 15-20 minutes), add the diced potatoes and tomatoes.

5. Adding the meat and final ingredients: Once all the vegetables are well cooked, add the cut meat from the hock into the pot. Then, add the tomato paste and cabbage juice. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Finalizing the soup: Let the soup come to a boil for 10-15 minutes. At this stage, you can add finely chopped lovage, both during cooking and at serving, for an extra flavor and freshness. Personally, I like to add lovage both at the beginning of cooking and at the end to intensify the aroma.

7. Serving: Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can accompany it with a spoonful of sour cream, if you like, and don’t forget the fresh lovage, which will add a beautiful appearance and a special aroma.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a more sour soup, you can add more cabbage juice or even a splash of vinegar.
- If you want to diversify the recipe, you can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans.
- Depending on your preferences, you can replace the pork hock with smoked turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later consumption.

Nutritional benefits:
The smoked ham hock and vegetable soup is a hearty meal, rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The smoked hock provides a considerable amount of protein and healthy fats, while the added vegetables contribute fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The cabbage juice adds acidity and aids digestion, making this recipe not only tasty but also beneficial for your health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use raw hock instead of smoked? Yes, but in this case, you will need to add extra spices to achieve the desired flavor.
- What other recipes go well with this soup? A summer salad or creamy polenta would perfectly complement the meal.
- Can I make the soup without meat? Sure, you can prepare a vegetarian version of the soup using various vegetables and a vegetable broth base.

I invite you to try this delicious recipe and share your experiences and variations! The smoked ham hock and vegetable soup sour with cabbage juice is a true culinary delight, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 smoked pork hock, a quarter of celery, 2 carrots, 2 onions, 2 tomatoes, 2-3 potatoes, 1 red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, lovage, 1 liter of cabbage juice, salt, pepper

 Tags:  soup pork smoked flavor