Bean soup with smoked meat

Bean soup with smoked meat - a comforting delight ideal for a family meal

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Bean soup with smoked meat is a traditional Romanian dish, perfect for chilly days. The intense aroma of the smoked meat combined with the rich taste of the beans makes this recipe a true culinary indulgence. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicious soup!

Ingredients:
- 300 g beans (preferably white or red beans)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root (or more, depending on preferences)
- 300 g boneless ham hock (or smoked pork)
- 2 smoked sausages (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 liter of bors (or to taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the beans: Start by washing the beans well under cold running water. Then, put them to boil in a large pot of water. It is important to change the water three times in the first stages of boiling to eliminate the natural toxins of the beans and reduce cooking time.

2. Adding aromatic ingredients: After the beans have boiled for about an hour and have become softer, it’s time to add the vegetables. Chop the onion, carrot, and parsley root into small cubes. Add them to the pot along with the boneless ham hock and smoked sausages. These ingredients will enhance the flavor of the soup.

3. Slow cooking: Continue to simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally. This step is essential to allow the flavors to meld. Let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until all the ingredients are well cooked.

4. Adding the bors: Once all the ingredients are cooked, add the bors to the pot. You can adjust the amount of bors according to your personal preferences - a more sour bors will add a pleasant contrast to the rich taste of the smoked meats. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes.

5. Final seasoning: At the end of cooking, taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. It’s important to do this at the end, as the smoked meats are already salty.

6. Serving: Once the soup is ready, serve it hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley on top. You can accompany it with a slice of fresh bread or polenta for an extra touch of flavor.

Practical tips:
- You can replace the ham hock with other types of smoked meat, such as bacon or even smoked fish, for a lighter version.
- If you want a spicier soup, add some chopped hot pepper or paprika.
- For a vegetarian recipe, omit the smoked meats and add more vegetables, or a few slices of smoked tofu.

This bean soup with smoked meat is not only a perfect choice for a weekend meal, but it is also a simple and quick recipe, full of warmth and flavors that will bring joy to your table. Bon appétit!