Cabbage soup with smoked meat

Cabbage soup with smoked meat – a delight with deep roots in Romanian culinary tradition, cabbage soup is a perfect choice for cool days or for moments when you want to indulge in a comforting dish. This meal is not only tasty but also full of nutrients, and the combination of cabbage, vegetables, and smoked meat turns each serving into a delicious experience.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 300 g smoked bacon (you can also use kaiser, sausages, or ham)
- 1 medium fresh cabbage
- 2 carrots
- 1 dried onion
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 150 ml tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream for serving
- Hot pepper (optional, for extra spiciness)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the carrots. Cut them into thin slices for even cooking. Then, peel the onion and chop it finely. These two vegetables are the base of the flavors in the soup.

2. Boiling the vegetables
In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and a little salt. Bring the chopped onion and carrots to a boil. Let them simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the carrots become slightly tender.

3. Preparing the smoked meat
Meanwhile, cut the smoked bacon into suitable pieces. This will add a rich flavor to your soup. Once the carrots are nearly cooked, add the pieces of smoked meat to the pot.

4. Adding the cabbage
Wash the cabbage and slice it thinly. When the smoked meat starts to release its aroma, add the cabbage to the pot. Fresh cabbage will cook quickly, so don't leave it on the heat for too long – about 10 minutes is enough.

5. Preparing the roux
In a separate saucepan, add 2 tablespoons of oil and heat it slightly. Add a tablespoon of flour and stir vigorously to avoid lumps. This will help thicken the soup. Once the flour turns slightly golden, remove the saucepan from the heat and add 150 ml of tomato juice, along with water, until you achieve a fluid consistency, but not too thin.

6. Combining the ingredients
Pour the roux into the pot with the soup and mix well, ensuring no lumps form. Add the chopped dill, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes for the flavors to combine.

7. Serving
Cabbage soup with smoked meat is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and, if you like, alongside hot pepper for an extra kick. This is an excellent option to add a bit of warmth to every spoonful!

Useful tips:

- Choosing the smoked meat: Smoked bacon adds a distinct flavor, but you can also experiment with other types of meat, such as smoked sausages or even pancetta for a different taste.
- Variations: If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and replace the smoked meat with a mix of mushrooms, which will add an umami flavor to the soup.
- Serving: This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade bread or polenta. Additionally, a dry white wine can wonderfully complement this dish.

Nutritional information:

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals due to its cabbage and carrot content. Additionally, the smoked bacon provides protein, while the sour cream adds a creamy note that makes it more filling. A serving of soup contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the amount of meat and sour cream used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use pickled cabbage?
Yes, you can use pickled cabbage for a more intense flavor, but adjust the amount of salt since pickled cabbage is already salty.

2. How long does the soup keep?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can also be frozen, but the taste will be best if consumed fresh.

3. Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Potatoes, bell peppers, or celery can be added to enrich and diversify the flavor of the soup.

This is the perfect recipe to bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your meals. Cabbage soup with smoked meat is a symbol of hospitality and tradition, a dish that reminds you of family gatherings. Taste the memories, savor every spoonful, and enjoy this traditional dish!

 Ingredients: A piece of smoked rib, you can use kaiser, sausages or ham. A fresh cabbage. Carrots. A dried onion. A tablespoon of flour. 150 ml of tomato juice. Oil. Dill, thyme. Salt, pepper. Sour cream for serving.