Vegetable soup with meat

Meat and vegetable soup: a warm hug in the bowl

Vegetable and meat soup is a classic recipe, a dish that has been loved for generations. This soup is not only nutritious, but full of flavor and color, quickly becoming a family favorite. It's simple to prepare, plus it's a great way to use seasonal or even frozen vegetables, while offering the variability to put your own personal stamp on the recipe.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 1 kg pork leg, cut into cubes
- 100 g smoked bacon, diced
- 2-3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 small red pepper, diced
- 1 blanley (about ½ turnip), diced
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 handful frozen vegetables (peas, green beans, carrots)
- 2 large tomatoes, skinned, chopped or 200 g sweet broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 200 g sour cream or béchamel sauce (optional)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or other favorite herbs

Detailed instructions:

1. Prepare ingredients: Start by preparing all ingredients. Cut the meat into even sized cubes to make sure it cooks evenly. You can choose pork, but beef or poultry is just as good. As for vegetables, you can experiment with what you have on hand.

2. Roasting meat: In a large pot, heat the oil and smoked bacon over medium heat. Add the meat cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides. This step is essential as it will add a deep flavor to the soup, thanks to the flavors released by the bacon.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is nicely browned, add the chopped onion and crushed garlic. Cover the pot with a lid and let the vegetables sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Then add the diced carrot, diced peppers and diced garlic. These vegetables will add not only a nice texture, but a vibrant color palette.

4. Stir in the wet ingredients: After a few minutes, add the frozen vegetables and chopped tomatoes or broth. Season with salt, pepper and paprika, adjusting the amount to taste. If you like, you can also add a bit of greens for extra flavor.

5. Boiling the soup: Pour about 2.5 quarts of water into the pot, stirring well. Bring everything to the boiling point, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer slowly for about 30-40 minutes. This is when the flavors will combine and the soup will start to take on that wonderful taste.

6. Finishing the soup: When the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked, add the cream and thyme. Leave to simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. You can adjust the consistency of the soup with water if necessary.

7. Serving: Vegetable and meat soup is best served warm, ideally with a slice of fresh bread or a side of breadcrumbs. You can add chopped fresh parsley on top for extra freshness. Delicious served with a dollop of cream or béchamel sauce for a richer taste.

Practical tips:

- Seasonal vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables to get the best flavors. You can add zucchini, green beans or even squash.
- Sour soup: If you prefer a more tangy broth, you can add a couple tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar while simmering.
- Vegetarian version: You can turn this recipe into a vegetarian soup by using vegetables and eliminating the meat. Add more vegetables and use a vegetable stock for an intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

Vegetable soup with meat is high in protein thanks to the meat, and the vegetables add a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Carrots and peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C, while potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for energy.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use chicken? Yes, chicken is an excellent choice and cooks faster than pork.
2. How long can I refrigerate the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can be frozen for later use, but the texture of the vegetables may suffer.
3. What can I add for a spicier taste? You can add chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce during cooking for a spicy kick.

Delicious combinations:

Vegetable and meat soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a warm porridge. You can accompany the soup with a dry white wine, which will accentuate the flavors. A slice of lightly toasted homemade bread is also ideal to savor every spoonful of this delicious soup.

In conclusion, vegetable and meat soup is more than just a meal: it is an experience, a tradition and a way to bring the family together. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a nourishing meal, this soup will always bring a smile to your face. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Approx. 1 kg of pork shoulder, cut into pieces, a small piece of smoked bone or bacon, oil, 1 turnip (1/2 turnip), 5 cloves of crushed garlic, 1 large onion, 1 large carrot, 1 small red pepper, approx. 1 kg of potatoes, 2 handfuls of frozen vegetables (peas, green beans, carrots...) 2 tomatoes or sweet tomato paste, pepper, salt, paprika, 200g sour cream or béchamel, 2 sprigs of thyme or your preference.