Borscht with smoked meat and pattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo patissoniana)

Smoked Meat and Pattypan Squash Borscht

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6

Welcome to our kitchen! Today we will explore a delicious recipe together, a borscht with smoked meat and pattypan squash, which perfectly combines rustic flavors with the freshness of seasonal ingredients. This recipe is not just a hearty meal, but also a culinary experience that brings together tradition and innovation.

A brief history

Borscht is a sour soup, loved in many cultures, often prepared with vegetables and meat, known for its nutritional benefits. This recipe for borscht with smoked meat and pattypan squash stands out for its rich taste and pleasant texture, making it a perfect dish for family meals or to impress guests. The pattypan squash, with its unique shape and delicate flavor, adds charm to this borscht.

Ingredients

- 3 baby pattypan squashes
- 2 medium onions
- 4-5 carrots
- 1 kg new potatoes
- 700 g smoked bacon
- 300 g turkey breast (or other meat of your choice)
- Sour borscht (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 green garden tomato
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- A few tablespoons of oil

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by finely chopping the onion. Wash the pattypan squashes and cut them into small cubes. Peel the carrots and slice them into rounds. The potatoes should also be peeled and cut into cubes. The tomato will be sliced into julienne strips. These preparations are essential to ensure even cooking and an appetizing appearance of the borscht.

2. Sautéing the vegetables
In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the chopped pattypan squash and carrots and continue to sauté the mixture for another 4-5 minutes. The flavors will blend beautifully, and the aromas will begin to reveal themselves.

3. Adding the meat
Once the vegetables have softened, add the turkey breast cut into cubes. Cook the mixture until the meat changes color. This step is crucial as it will add depth and a savory flavor to the borscht.

4. Including the smoked meat
Finally, add the smoked bacon cut into small pieces. Let it fry together with the other ingredients for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Boiling the borscht
In a large pot, add water (about 2 liters) and add the diced potatoes. Add the mixture from the skillet to the pot. Boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is well cooked and all the ingredients are tender. This process takes about 20-25 minutes.

6. Finalizing the borscht
Once all the ingredients are cooked, add the tomato paste, sour borscht, and salt to taste. Let it boil for a few moments to allow the flavors to develop. Finally, turn off the heat and sprinkle the finely chopped lovage on top. This ingredient will add a fresh and aromatic note to your borscht.

Chef's tip

To achieve a perfect borscht, make sure to use fresh, quality ingredients. If you desire a more intense flavor, you can also add some spices, such as black pepper or allspice. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of meat or make a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with mushrooms or tofu.

Nutrients and benefits

This borscht is not only delicious but also healthy. The pattypan squash is rich in vitamins A and C, while the carrots provide an excellent source of beta-carotene. The smoked bacon adds protein, and the potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates. Additionally, lovage is known for its antioxidant properties.

Delicious combinations

To complement this meal, we recommend serving the borscht with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread or polenta. A summer salad with tomatoes and cucumbers would add a fresh and refreshing contrast. If you desire a drink, a cold lemonade or a glass of dry white wine pairs perfectly with the flavors of this borscht.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Certainly! You can replace the turkey breast with chicken, pork, or even a mix of meats.

2. Can the borscht be kept for the next day?
Yes, the borscht keeps very well in the refrigerator and becomes even tastier after sitting for a few hours or overnight.

3. How can I enhance the flavor of the borscht?
You can add spices like thyme, basil, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to intensify the flavor.

4. Is the borscht suitable for a diet?
Due to its ingredients, this borscht is hearty and can be included in balanced diets. Make sure to adjust the portions of meat and oil if you are monitoring a specific calorie intake.

I hope this recipe for borscht with smoked meat and pattypan squash inspires you to create a delicious and comforting meal. Enjoy!