Bone soup with cabbage juice

Bone broth with cabbage juice - a warm recipe for cold winter days

On chilly winter days, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming soup, full of flavors and nutrients. Bone broth with cabbage juice is a traditional dish that has gathered many stories and culinary memories around it. It’s a true feast that reminds us of family meals and childhood tastes. I invite you to discover how to prepare this delicacy in just a few simple steps.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g raw pork bones (preferably from chops)
- 500 g smoked bones from pork skin
- 2 medium onions
- 3 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 parsnip root
- 1 small celery
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 200 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 200 g green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 3 medium potatoes
- 5 ripe tomatoes
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 50 ml sunflower oil
- 1.5 liters of cabbage juice
- Vegeta, salt, and pepper to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the bones: Start by washing the raw and smoked pork bones well. This step is essential to remove impurities and achieve a clearer and tastier broth. If you have time, you can soak the bones in cold water for 30 minutes.

2. Cleaning and cutting the vegetables: Clean and wash all the vegetables. Cut the onion into small cubes, the carrots into rounds, and the parsley and parsnip into pieces of about 1 cm. The celery can be cut into large cubes, and the peppers can be sliced. These cuts will help with even cooking and a nice presentation of the soup.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly translucent and release inviting aromas. Sautéing the vegetables is a trick that intensifies the flavor of the soup.

4. Boiling the bones: Add water to the pot (about 2 liters) and let it boil for 10 minutes. Then, add the cleaned bones, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. Don’t forget to remove the foam that forms on the surface with a skimmer – this step will make the soup clearer and more appetizing.

5. Adding the vegetables and beans: After the bones have boiled, add the peas, green beans, and diced potatoes. Continue to boil everything for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

6. Including the tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into cubes and add them to the pot. Boil everything for another 10 minutes. The tomatoes will add a note of freshness and a slightly tangy taste to your soup.

7. Cabbage juice: Boil the cabbage juice separately for a few minutes. Gradually add it to the soup, adjusting the taste to your preference. It’s important to taste the soup along the way, as each cabbage juice can have a different level of acidity.

8. Finalizing the soup: Before turning off the heat, add the finely chopped greens (dill and lovage) and let the soup boil for two more minutes. The fresh herbs will provide an unmistakable aroma and unique flavor.

9. Serving: Bone broth with cabbage juice is served hot, alongside hot peppers or red onion for an extra kick of flavor. This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread.

Tips and variations:
- You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or cauliflower, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a more sour version, you can replace the cabbage juice with borscht, but the taste will be different.
- The soup can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be frozen to be enjoyed later.

Nutritional benefits:
Bone broth is rich in protein, calcium, and collagen, contributing to the health of bones and skin. Additionally, the vegetables add essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken bones in this recipe?
Yes, but the boiling time will be shorter, so adjust the time according to the type of meat used.
- Is the soup better the next day?
Yes, the flavors intensify, and it becomes even more delicious.

This bone broth with cabbage juice is not just a dish but a culinary experience that will warm your soul. Whether you enjoy it with family or share it with friends, the soup will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Enjoy your meal!