Potato soup

Potato soup with smoked meats – a comforting delight for chilly days

Who doesn't love a warm soup that embraces your soul on cold days? Potato soup with smoked meats is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the creamy texture of potatoes with the intense flavors of smoked meats. This recipe has been passed down through generations, each adding its own touch, and is perfect for both lunch and dinner.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
- 200 g cooked ham, diced
- 100 g smoked bacon, sliced
- 100 g spiced salami, diced
- 6 medium potatoes (approx. 800 g), peeled and cut into large cubes
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 jar of 150 g natural yogurt
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped, for garnish

Preparation of ingredients
Start by peeling all the vegetables. It is important to ensure that the onion, peppers, and carrots are cut into small cubes for even cooking, while the potatoes, being cut larger, will add consistency to the soup. Choose 'boiling' or 'eating' potatoes, which have a higher starch content, for a creamier texture.

Step by step: Cooking the soup
1. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and red bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent. This step will bring out the flavors of the vegetables and create a tasty base for the soup.

2. Adding the meats:
After the vegetables are sautéed, add the diced ham, bacon, and salami. Continue to sauté the mixture for another 3-4 minutes until the meat becomes slightly crispy and releases its flavors.

3. Seasoning:
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika to your liking. The paprika will add not only flavor but also a beautiful color to the soup.

4. Adding water:
Pour enough water into the pot to cover the vegetables and meat, then bring the soup to a boil. This step is crucial as it helps extract the flavors from the added ingredients.

5. Adding the potatoes:
Once the water has started to boil, add the diced potatoes. Make sure they are well washed and drained to avoid diluting the soup. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully cooked and can be easily mashed with a fork.

6. Finalizing the soup:
A few minutes before turning off the heat, add the natural yogurt and mix well. This will give the soup a touch of acidity and a creamy texture. Allow the soup to come to a quick boil, then remove it from the heat.

7. Serving:
Finally, add the finely chopped parsley leaves for an extra touch of freshness and flavor. Serve the soup hot in deep bowls, alongside a slice of fresh bread or croutons for added texture.

Practical tips
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to diversify the recipe.
- Alternative meats: Instead of bacon, you can try pork sausages or even vegetarian sausages for a vegetarian option.
- Parsley: If you don't have fresh parsley on hand, you can use dill or coriander, each bringing a different flavor to the soup.

Nutritional benefits
This soup is a good source of carbohydrates from potatoes, which provide energy, and protein from meat. The yogurt adds a note of probiotics, beneficial for digestion. It is a hearty meal, ideal for warming up during winter.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, depending on your preferences.
- What can I do with leftovers? The soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be reheated without issues. You can add water or vegetable broth to thin it out if needed.
- Can the soup be frozen? We recommend not freezing the soup with yogurt, as the texture may change. You can freeze the soup without yogurt and add the yogurt before serving.

This potato soup with smoked meats is not just a meal, but an experience, a moment of conviviality around the table with loved ones. It may be a simple dish, but every bite is a little joy. So, put on your chef's apron, wear a smile on your face, and let’s cook together!

 Ingredients: 200g boiled ham, 100g smoked bacon, 100g spiced salami, 6 medium potatoes, 2 carrots, 1 medium onion, 1 red bell pepper, 1 jar of 150g natural yogurt, 1 green bell pepper, delicatessen, pepper, chopped parsley leaves to taste.