Vegetable soup with smoked ribs

Vegetable Soup with Smoked Ham

Vegetable soup with smoked ham is a comforting dish, perfect for cool days or when you crave a healthy and nourishing meal. This recipe combines the rich flavor of smoked meat with the freshness of vegetables, offering a delightful taste that will please the whole family. Whether you serve it for lunch or dinner, this soup is an excellent choice, full of nutrients and flavor.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 500 g smoked ham
- 3 medium potatoes
- 2-3 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1-2 parsley roots
- 1 small beetroot
- 1 large onion
- 1 zucchini
- 1 bell pepper
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 1 kohlrabi
- 1 handful of green beans
- 1 handful of Swiss chard (or a handful of spinach)
- 1 lemon
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley and lovage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the vegetable soup with smoked ham:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and washing all the vegetables. Cut the smoked ham into thin slices. Choose fresh, seasonal vegetables for better taste. If you want a sweeter note, you can add sweeter carrots or quality beetroot.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the two tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and parsnip, both diced. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly translucent. This step is essential to bring out the flavors of the vegetables.

3. Adding the ham: Add the slices of smoked ham to the pot and continue to sauté them with the vegetables for another 3-4 minutes until the ham releases its aroma. This step will give the soup a rich and appetizing flavor.

4. Adding the vegetables: Now, add the diced potatoes, kohlrabi, zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans. Continue to stir for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

5. Boiling the soup: Pour hot water into the pot, the amount depending on how thick you want the soup to be. Generally, 2 liters is ideal for a hearty soup. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.

6. Finishing the soup: Once the vegetables are well cooked, add the diced beetroot, peeled and chopped tomatoes, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to combine all the flavors. The beetroot will add a vibrant color and a slightly sweet taste.

7. Serving: Finally, sprinkle finely chopped parsley and lovage on top of the soup. This will add a fresh and aromatic taste. Serve the soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta.

Practical tips:
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the smoked ham with tofu or a combination of mushrooms to provide umami.
- If you like a spicier soup, add a finely chopped hot pepper.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for later consumption.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or cauliflower, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits: This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals due to the variety of ingredients used. Vegetables like beetroot and carrots are rich in antioxidants, while smoked ham adds the necessary proteins for the body. It is also a filling option, perfect for starting your day or recharging your energy after a long day.

Calories: A serving of soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil and ham used.

Recommended recipes to complement the meal: This soup pairs perfectly with a platter of assorted cheeses or a fresh green salad. Additionally, a refreshing drink, such as herbal tea or natural citrus juice, will complete the meal.

Personal story: Vegetable soup with smoked ham was prepared for me in childhood by my grandmother, who used vegetables from her own garden. The aroma that filled the house while the soup was boiling was a true delight, and each spoonful brought warm and happy memories. Perhaps you also have a family recipe that connects you to special moments. I encourage you to keep the tradition and bring a touch of childhood charm to your plate.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that's left is to start cooking and enjoy this delicious soup! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500g smoked ribs, 3 potatoes, 2-3 carrots, 1 parsnip, 1-2 parsley roots, 1 small red beet, 1 onion, 1 zucchini, 1 bell pepper, 3 tomatoes, 1 kohlrabi, a handful of green beans, 1 chard (or a handful of spinach), 1 lemon, 1/2 bunch each of fresh parsley and lovage, 2 tablespoons oil, salt, pepper

 Tags:  soup vegetables smoked bacon