Beer sausage soup

Beer sausage soup is a comforting and flavorful recipe, perfect for chilly days or when we crave a warm and nourishing meal. This soup not only brings a delicious taste but is also an excellent way to use simple yet nutrient-rich ingredients. Additionally, it is a quick recipe that can be prepared in an hour, providing a result that will delight everyone at the table.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 packet (400 g) of frozen vegetable mix
- 1 large onion
- 1 medium potato
- 3 tablespoons of sunflower or olive oil
- 250 ml borscht (preferably country-style for a more intense flavor)
- 1 liter of water
- 1 vegetable broth cube
- 200 g beer sausages (choose your preferred type, pork or mixed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (be careful, sausages and broth cube contain salt)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- A handful of fresh parsley

Short history of beer sausage soup:
Beer sausage soup is a traditional dish that combines influences from various culinary cultures, based on simple and accessible ingredients. The origins of this soup can be found in households where all available resources were utilized, and the beer sausages add a rustic touch and a distinctive flavor. This recipe has evolved over time, becoming a cherished dish on Romanian tables.

Step by step in making the soup:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Chop the onion into thin slices, the potato into cubes, and the garlic into thin slices. Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand for efficient work.

Step 2: Sauté the onion
In a large pot, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to release its aroma.

Step 3: Adding the vegetables
Over the onion, add the frozen vegetable mix, the cubed potato, and the slices of garlic. Sauté everything for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Preparing the soup
Add the vegetable broth cube dissolved in one liter of hot water. Mix well and let the soup simmer for 25 minutes. This step is essential to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Incorporating the sausages
After the vegetables have cooked, add the beer sausages cut into rounds. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. The sausages will add a unique flavor and rich taste to the dish.

Step 6: Adding the borscht
Once the sausages have cooked, it’s time to add the boiled borscht. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes, about 5, to blend the flavors. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper, being careful since the sausages and broth cube already contain salt.

Step 7: Serving
The soup is now ready! Serve it hot, adding a spoonful of sour cream on top and, if you like, a bit of finely chopped hot pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves for an attractive appearance.

Practical tips:
- Buy quality beer sausages: Choose sausages from a trusted butcher or from a source that offers natural products. The taste of the soup will be much better.
- Vegetable varieties: If you prefer, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones. Carrots, celery, or zucchini are excellent choices.
- Borscht: If you don’t have borscht on hand, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to add acidity, but the taste will be different.
- Variations: You can add other ingredients, such as green beans or peas, to diversify the recipe.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sausages other than beer sausages?
Yes, you can experiment with smoked sausages or even chicken sausages, depending on your preferences.

2. How long does the soup last?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be reheated, but it is recommended not to boil it again to preserve the texture of the vegetables.

3. What side dish goes well with this soup?
Fresh, crusty bread pairs perfectly, but a green salad with fresh vegetables will also add a note of freshness.

Nutritional benefits:
Beer sausage soup is a balanced meal, rich in protein from the sausages and vitamins from the vegetables. The potato provides complex carbohydrates, which offer long-term energy. Consuming soup helps hydrate the body, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal.

In conclusion:
Beer sausage soup is a versatile, easy-to-make dish full of flavors that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Experiment with the ingredients, add your personal touches, and transform this recipe into a family favorite. In every spoonful, you will feel the warmth and comfort of a traditional dish, cooked with love. Enjoy your meal!