Smoked meat soup with cabbage juice
Smoked Meat Soup with Cabbage Juice: A Hearty Delicacy for the Soul
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6-8 servings
Smoked meat soup is a beloved dish that reminds us of hearty family meals, the warm aroma of lovingly cooked food, and the moments spent around the table. This soup recipe is based on smoked knuckle, which gives a unique and flavorful taste to the dish, enveloping the fresh ingredients in a symphony of delicious aromas.
To achieve a perfect result, follow the detailed steps below, enriched with useful tips and information about the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 smoked knuckle (minimum 1 kg)
- 1 liter of cabbage juice
- 4 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 small celery
- 3 onions
- 1 small zucchini
- 150 g green beans
- 100 g peas
- 3 bell peppers diced
- Cabbage sliced (to taste)
- 3 potatoes diced
- 3 tomatoes diced
- Fresh lovage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
Necessary utensils
- Large pot
- Skimmer
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Wooden spoon
Step by Step Preparation
1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the smoked knuckle under cold running water. Cut it into large cubes, about 4-5 cm, to ensure even cooking. Place it in a large pot and fill it with cold water, enough to completely cover the meat.
2. Boiling the meat: Place the pot over medium heat. When the water starts to boil, you will notice foam forming on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove this foam, repeating the process a few times until no more foam remains. This step is essential for achieving a clear and delicious soup.
3. Adding vegetables: Once the foam has been removed, add the carrots, parsley, and celery cut into large pieces. These vegetables will add extra flavor to the soup. Let everything simmer on low heat, covering the pot with a lid.
4. Adding additional vegetables: After about 30 minutes, when the carrots are halfway cooked, you can add the remaining vegetables: zucchini, green beans, peas, and bell peppers. Mix well to combine the flavors.
5. Potatoes and tomatoes: When the vegetables are almost cooked, add the diced potatoes and peeled, diced tomatoes. These will add consistency and a fresh taste to the soup.
6. Cabbage juice: Here comes a special ingredient – cabbage juice. Add 1 liter of it to give the soup a tangy note and an unmistakable flavor. Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes until all ingredients are well cooked.
7. Finishing the soup: Beat an egg in a bowl and, when the soup is ready, add the beaten egg while quickly stirring with a wooden spoon. This will add a creamy texture and a pleasant color to the soup.
8. Seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, finely chop the lovage and sprinkle it on top of the soup for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.
Serving
This smoked meat soup with cabbage juice is served hot, alongside red onion or fresh or pickled hot peppers for a delicious contrast. A serving of warm polenta is the perfect accompaniment, adding extra flavor and consistency.
Useful Tips
- Choosing the meat: Opt for a quality smoked knuckle, as its flavor will significantly influence the taste of the soup. You can substitute it with other types of smoked meat, such as bacon or ham, for different variations.
- Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with vegetables based on your preferences. Adding turnips or sweet potatoes can bring an interesting twist.
- Cabbage juice: If you don't have cabbage juice available, you can use lemon juice to achieve a similar acidity.
Nutritional Information
This soup is not only tasty but also nutritious. It contains protein from the meat, fiber from the vegetables, and essential vitamins. A serving of approximately 300 grams has about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
Variations
- Vegetarian soup: You can adapt the recipe for a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding chickpeas or lentils for protein.
- Spicy soup: Add fresh hot peppers or chili flakes to give your soup a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of knuckle?
Yes, you can use chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as chicken cooks faster.
2. Can the soup be frozen?
The soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to leave it without the egg, which you can add during reheating.
3. What is the secret to a flavorful soup?
Using fresh, quality ingredients, as well as adding herbs at the end, is key to a delicious soup.
Smoked meat soup with cabbage juice is more than just a meal; it's a true culinary experience that brings a touch of warmth and comfort on chilly days. So don't hesitate to prepare and enjoy it with your loved ones!
Ingredients: 1 large smoked ham over 1 kg, 1 liter of cabbage juice, 4 carrots, 1 root parsley, 1 small celery, 3 onions, 1 small zucchini, 150 grams of green bean pods, 100g peas, 3 bell peppers cut into cubes, cabbage cut into thin strips - to taste, 3 potatoes diced, 3 tomatoes diced, lovage, salt, pepper, 1 egg
