Soup with dumplings and smoked meat
Dumplings and Smoked Meat Soup - Comfort Food for the Soul
Dumplings and smoked meat soup is a traditional dish, full of flavors and warmth, perfect for bringing a touch of comfort on chilly days. This soup is not just a simple meal, but a culinary experience that evokes memories and traditions, often associated with festive meals or moments spent with loved ones. At the heart of this recipe are simple yet flavorful ingredients that harmoniously combine to create a delicious dish.
Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 600 g smoked pork ribs
- 3 green onions
- 2 large carrots
- ½ red bell pepper
- 2 medium white onions
- 700 ml borscht
- 300 g tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 30 ml sunflower oil
- Salt, to taste
- 5 tablespoons semolina
- 2 eggs
- 40 ml oil for dumplings
- A pinch of salt
- Fresh green lovage, for serving
Step-by-Step Preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning and washing the vegetables: carrots, onions, and bell pepper. Cut the carrots into rounds, the onions into cubes, and the pepper into strips. This step is essential to ensure even cooking and a pleasant presentation of the soup. Also, cut the smoked ribs into pieces of about 3-4 cm.
2. Boiling the water:
In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and a pinch of salt. Put it on the heat and wait for it to reach boiling point.
3. Browning the smoked meat:
In a skillet, add 30 ml of oil and heat it. When the oil is hot, add the rib pieces and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes, until they turn golden. This step will intensify the flavors and add a rich taste to the soup. After browning, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil and set aside.
4. Sautéing the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the green onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until they become slightly soft, then remove them onto a plate. Continue with the carrot, white onion, and pepper, cooking them for 5-7 minutes until they become tender and aromatic. This step enhances the texture and flavor of the vegetables.
5. Combining the ingredients:
Once the water has started to boil, add the browned ribs to the pot, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Let everything boil over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, until the meat is tender and the vegetables are well cooked.
6. Preparing the dumplings:
In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, add 40 ml of oil and 2 tablespoons of water. Start adding the semolina gradually, stirring continuously, until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. These dumplings will add a fluffy texture and delicious taste to the soup.
7. Adding the dumplings:
Using a spoon, form portions of dumplings and carefully add them to the soup. It is important not to overcrowd the pot, to allow the dumplings to swell evenly. After adding them, pour a liter of cold water into the pot; this trick will help the dumplings to puff up.
8. Finalizing the soup:
Let the soup boil for 10-15 minutes until the dumplings are fully cooked. Add the previously boiled borscht and diced tomatoes, stirring gently to incorporate them. Continue boiling the soup for another 10 minutes, then taste and adjust with salt if necessary.
9. Serving:
Finally, finely chop the lovage and add it to the soup, stirring gently. Serve the soup hot, with a slice of fresh bread on the side. This soup is wonderful paired with a glass of white wine or a cold beer, which will perfectly complement the rich aroma of the dish.
Practical Tips:
- You can also use other types of smoked meat, such as ham or sausages, to experiment with different flavors.
- If you prefer a more sour soup, you can add more borscht according to your taste.
- The dumplings can be flavored with dried herbs or spices, such as pepper or nutmeg, to give them a unique touch.
Nutritional Benefits:
Dumplings and smoked meat soup is an excellent source of protein due to the smoked meat and eggs. The semolina dumplings provide complex carbohydrates, while the vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins. This is a complete meal that will give you energy and satisfy your hunger.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use smoked chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can replace the pork with smoked chicken, and the flavors will be different but delicious.
2. How can I store the soup for the next day?
The soup stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
3. Can I make the soup without borscht?
Yes, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to add acidity, but the taste will be different.
Dumplings and smoked meat soup is not just a tasty dish but also a way to gather the family around the table, share stories, and create memories. So put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and enjoy this simple and delicious recipe!
Ingredients: 3 green onions, 2 carrots, half a red bell pepper, 700 ml of borscht, 300 g of tomatoes, fresh lovage, 30 ml of oil, salt to taste, 2 white onions, 600 g of smoked pork ribs, 2 eggs, 5 tablespoons of semolina, 40 ml of oil, a pinch of salt.
