Bone soup

Bone soup – A recipe full of tradition and unmistakable flavors

Bone soup is a culinary dish that has deep roots in traditional cuisine. This rich soup, full of flavor and nutrients, is often associated with moments of conviviality and warmth in the family. Its inviting aroma, which spreads throughout the house during cooking, can transform even the coldest day into a moment of joy.

In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to prepare a delicious bone soup that will win over everyone. Bone soup is not just a comforting dish, but also an excellent way to obtain essential nutrients from bones, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 2 medium onions
- 1 large carrot
- 1 celery root (one head)
- 1 parsnip
- 1 bell pepper
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (approximately 400g)
- 1-1.5 kg of pork bones
- 1.5 liters of water
- 1 liter of borscht
- Salt, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh green lovage

Preparation:
1. Preparing the bones: Start by washing the pork bones well under cold running water. Then, you can blanch them in a pot of boiling water for 5-7 minutes. This step helps remove impurities and achieve a clearer soup. After blanching, remove the bones from the water and let them cool slightly.

2. Preparing the vegetables: While the bones cool, you can prepare the vegetables. Peel the onions, carrot, celery, parsnip, and bell pepper. Grate the vegetables on the large grater of the food processor or chop them finely, depending on your preferences.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a deep skillet or large pot, add 50 ml of sunflower oil or olive oil. Add the grated vegetables and sauté them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Add a cup of water, salt, and a little thyme to enhance the aroma. This technique of sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the soup will give the dish a special flavor.

4. Boiling the soup: In a large pot, add the sautéed vegetables and the blanched pork bones. Pour in 3-4 liters of water (or as needed to cover the ingredients) and bring everything to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 1-1.5 hours, until the meat on the bones is tender and easily separates.

5. Adding the potatoes: After the meat is cooked, peel and dice the 3 potatoes. Add them to the pot and continue boiling for 20-30 minutes, until the potatoes become soft.

6. Finalizing the soup: Finally, pour the hot borscht into the soup to give it that specific sour taste. Adjust the salt to taste. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes, then add the finely chopped green lovage. You can also add it when serving for a fresh look.

Serving:
Bone soup is served hot, with a slice of fresh bread on the side. You can accompany it with hot peppers for those who prefer a spicy note. Additionally, a splash of sour cream can add extra creaminess.

Practical tips:
- You can use pork bones with different proportions of meat to achieve a heartier soup. Bones with marrow will provide a deep and rich flavor.
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace the pork bones with chicken bones, which cook faster.
- It is important to adjust the amount of water and borscht according to your preferences. If you like the soup more sour, you can add more borscht.
- Instead of lovage, you can also use fresh parsley or dill, depending on your preferences.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes, you can add vegetables like zucchini or peas for a personalized version.

2. How long can I keep the soup in the fridge?
Bone soup can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can freeze it to consume later.

3. What other dishes pair well with bone soup?
Bone soup pairs excellently with a fresh green salad or warm polenta.

Nutritional benefits:
Bone soup is rich in collagen, which is beneficial for joint and skin health. Additionally, the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and important minerals for a balanced diet.

Feel free to experiment with this bone soup recipe, play with the ingredients, and give it your personal touch. Once you try it, you will understand why this soup is so loved and appreciated in kitchens around the world. Enjoy your meal!