Smoked meat soup

Smoked meat soup is a traditional Romanian dish, full of flavors and nostalgia, perfect for cool days. This simple and delicious recipe combines the rich taste of smoked meats with the freshness of vegetables, resulting in a hearty and comforting soup. Next, I will present the necessary steps to make a perfect smoked meat soup, as well as some useful tips to enhance the recipe.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg beef bones (preferably with meat)
- 200 g smoked meat (for example, smoked ribs and bacon)
- 1 large onion
- 1 small celery
- 1 parsnip (or carrot, as preferred)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 bunch of lovage
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for sautéing

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the beef bones well and placing them in a large pot with cold water. Cover the pot and let it boil over medium heat. As the water begins to boil, remove the foam that forms on the surface to obtain a clear and tasty broth.

Step 2: Chopping the vegetables
Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables. Cut the potatoes into cubes, and grate the celery, parsnip, and carrot. Chop the onion and bell pepper finely. These details are essential because the size of the vegetables will influence the cooking time and the texture of the soup.

Step 3: Sautéing the vegetables
After the bones have boiled for about an hour, add the diced smoked meat, onion, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté the vegetables in a little oil in a separate pan until they become translucent, then add them to the pot. This technique will intensify the flavors and give the soup a rich taste.

Step 4: Adding the remaining vegetables
After about 30 minutes, add the potatoes, celery, parsnip, and grated carrot to the pot. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Preparing the tomatoes
Meanwhile, wash the tomatoes and puree them well. Add them to the pot, mixing to combine all the ingredients. The tomatoes will add a touch of acidity and a vibrant color to your soup.

Step 6: Seasoning and finishing
Once all the ingredients are cooked, add salt and pepper to taste, then let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Finally, add the finely chopped lovage for an extra touch of freshness.

Serving: The smoked meat soup is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can also add a splash of sour cream for an even creamier taste.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different types of smoked meat, such as smoked sausages or ham, depending on your preferences. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, to diversify the recipe.

This smoked meat soup is not just a filling meal, but also a real delicacy that will bring joy to any family. Cook with love and enjoy every spoonful!

 Ingredients: Beef bones, some smoked meat (I used ribs and bacon), 1 large onion, 1 small celery, 1 parsnip, 1 red bell pepper, 2 potatoes, 1 bunch of lovage, a few tomatoes.