Beetroot soup with smoked bacon

Beetroot soup with smoked ribs

Beetroot soup with smoked ribs is a comforting dish, full of flavors and colors, perfectly combining the sweetness of beetroots with the smoky flavor of the smoked ribs. This traditional recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, bringing family and friends together at the table. Let's discover together how we can recreate this delight in our own kitchens!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 10 large potatoes
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 red pepper
- 1/2 yellow pepper
- 2 large beetroots
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of pepper paste
- 500 g smoked ribs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Borscht (for souring)

Preparing the beetroot soup

Step 1: Preparing the beetroots
Start by washing the beetroots well under cold running water. Then, place the beetroots in a large pot of water and let them boil over medium heat until they become soft, about 30-40 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water, let the beetroots cool slightly, then peel and grate them using a large grater. This will add a wonderful texture to your soup.

Step 2: Preparing the ribs
Wash the smoked ribs under cold running water to remove any residues. Then, cut them into pieces about 2-3 cm long. This will add an intense flavor to the soup, and the smokiness will provide a unique aromatic profile.

Step 3: Boiling the ingredients
In a large pot, add 6-7 liters of water and the cut ribs. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to boil. Remove the foam that forms on the surface, then cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Adding the vegetables
Peel and cut the potatoes into large cubes, then wash them. Peel and finely chop the onion, and grate the carrot. Remove the seeds from the red and yellow peppers and cut them into small pieces. Peel the tomatoes (you can use a quick blanching method to peel them) and chop them finely.

When the ribs have been boiling for more than half the time, add the potatoes, onion, carrot, and chopped peppers to the pot. Boil the vegetables for 10 minutes, then add the chopped tomatoes, pepper paste, and chopped parsley.

Step 5: Finishing the soup
Finally, add the grated beetroot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Then, sour the soup with the separately boiled borscht in a small pot. You can add the borscht gradually, tasting constantly, to achieve a perfect balance between the sweetness of the beetroots and the acidity of the borscht.

After a few boils, the soup is ready! Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving suggestions

Beetroot soup with smoked ribs is served hot, preferably with a spoonful of sour cream and a few fresh parsley leaves on top. You can enhance the flavor by adding a bit of hot pepper or a slice of lemon for a more pronounced taste.

Useful tips

- Vegetarian option: If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can replace the ribs with smoked mushrooms or marinated and fried tofu.
- Spicier soup: Add a bit of hot pepper or paprika while cooking the vegetables to give it a spicy flavor.
- Additional vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to diversify the soup.

Nutritional benefits

Beetroot is an extremely healthy vegetable, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. It is also an excellent source of antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radicals. The smoked ribs provide a protein boost, but given their fat content, it's best to consume them in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned beetroot?
While fresh beetroot offers a more intense flavor and better texture, you can also use canned beetroot to save time. The taste will be different, but the soup will still be delicious!

2. How long can the soup be stored?
Beetroot soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, but it's recommended to add a little water to prevent it from thickening too much.

3. What can I serve with the soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with warm homemade bread or polenta. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine or a light beer would perfectly complement the meal.

In conclusion, beetroot soup with smoked ribs is an excellent choice for chilly days, bringing a touch of comfort and warmth to every bowl. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its flavors! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 10 medium potatoes, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1/2 yellow bell pepper, 2 beetroots, fresh parsley, 2 tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of pepper paste, 1 smoked pork belly, salt, pepper, sour borscht.