Cabbage soup with smoked meat - a hearty Transylvanian dish

Name: Cabbage soup with smoked meat - a hearty Transylvanian dish - Marilena G.
Ingredients: We primarily need cabbage; I had a small head and grated it as finely as possible. In addition to that; we also need some smoked pork ribs and a piece of lean pork (I always add a piece of pork thigh); a medium; sized onion; a carrot; a red bell pepper; 2; 3 peeled tomatoes; 100 ml of tomato paste; salt; pepper; a little fresh dill (I used dill with salt from a jar); and definitely some fresh thyme.

Soups - Cabbage soup with smoked meat - a hearty Transylvanian dish by Marilena G. - Recipia

Cabbage soup with smoked meat – a Transylvanian delight Cabbage soup with smoked meat is a traditional recipe that brings the flavors and warmth of a Transylvanian home to your plate. Every bite is a story, a blend of tastes that evokes memories of summer when tomatoes and cabbage are in full season. Moreover, it is a budget-friendly dish, and the ingredients are easy to find. This soup is perfect for cool days, being comforting and filling. Let’s start the culinary journey! Total preparation time: 1 hour Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Number of servings: 6 Necessary ingredients: - 1 small cabbage (approximately 500 g), finely grated - 300 g smoked pork ribs - 300 g pork shoulder (cut into large cubes) - 1 medium onion (finely chopped) - 1 large carrot (grated) - 1 red bell pepper (diced) - 2-3 peeled tomatoes (or 200 g canned tomatoes) - 100 ml tomato paste - 1 sprig of fresh thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - A little fresh or dried dill - Water (approximately 2 liters) Preparation: 1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the smoked ribs and pork shoulder well. Cut the ribs into thin slices and the shoulder into larger cubes. This meat combination will add a rich and hearty flavor to your soup. 2. Boiling the meat: In a large pot (about 4 liters), add the meat, cover with cold water, and add a sprig of thyme. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for 20 minutes. It is crucial to use cold water to extract all the flavors from the meat. 3. Adding the vegetables: After 20 minutes, add the onion, grated carrot, grated cabbage, and dill. Mix well and let everything boil together for 15-20 minutes. The cabbage will become soft and absorb the flavors of the meat. 4. Including the tomatoes and spices: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the diced tomatoes and red bell pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes. These ingredients will add a note of freshness and a pleasant color to the soup. 5. Finalizing the soup: Add the tomato paste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add another sprig of fresh thyme for extra flavor. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat. 6. Serving: The cabbage soup is served hot, with a sprinkle of fresh dill on top. It is wonderful alongside a slice of fresh homemade bread. You can also complement the meal with a spoonful of sour cream or thick yogurt, but I prefer to keep the soup pure to savor all its flavors. Useful tips: - Cabbage: Use fresh summer cabbage for a softer texture. If you can't find fresh cabbage, you can use pickled cabbage, but you'll need to adjust the amount of salt. - Meat: If you prefer a leaner option, you can replace the pork with chicken or turkey. - Spices: Personalize the soup by adding other spices, such as sweet paprika or herbs, to give it a unique touch. Nutritional benefits: Cabbage soup with smoked meat is an excellent source of protein due to the meat, and cabbage is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, which aids digestion. This recipe offers a perfect balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for a main meal. Frequently asked questions: 1. Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can experiment with chicken or even beef, but the cooking time may vary. 2. How long can I keep the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it, but the taste will be best if consumed fresh. 3. What other sides can I serve? Besides homemade bread, you can try croutons or a seasonal salad. This recipe for cabbage soup with smoked meat is not just a culinary delight but also an opportunity to share beautiful moments with loved ones. I invite you to try this recipe and open your own culinary story! Perhaps at your next meal, you will think of new combinations and variations that will surprise and delight your taste buds!

Ingredients

We primarily need cabbage
I had a small head and grated it as finely as possible. In addition to that
we also need some smoked pork ribs and a piece of lean pork (I always add a piece of pork thigh)
a medium
sized onion
a carrot
a red bell pepper
2
3 peeled tomatoes
100 ml of tomato paste
salt
pepper
a little fresh dill (I used dill with salt from a jar)
and definitely some fresh thyme.

Cabbage soup with smoked meat - a hearty Transylvanian dish

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