Green bean soup with smoked meat

Green Bean Soup with Smoked Meat: An Autumn Delicacy

Green bean soup with smoked meat is a comforting, traditional dish full of flavor that brings a touch of warmth to every day. As the saying goes, "no day without soup," this recipe is perfect for enjoying a healthy meal enveloped in the aroma of smokiness. With each spoonful, you'll discover the perfect combination of vegetables and smoked meat that blend harmoniously to create a delicious and nourishing soup.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 1 kg frozen green beans
- 500 g smoked meat (smoked bone or smoked meat)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow)
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup of broth (about 200 ml)
- 200 ml sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh celery leaves and parsley
- Salt (to taste, considering the salt from the smoked meat)

Step by Step:

Step 1: Preparing the smoked meat
Start by blanching the smoked meat. Place the meat in a pot and add boiling water. This step is essential to remove excess salt and fat. After boiling for a few minutes, discard the first water and rinse the smoked meat.

Step 2: Cooking the soup base
In a large pot, add the blanched smoked meat along with 3 liters of fresh water. Place the pot over high heat and let it reach a boiling point. While waiting, prepare the vegetables.

Step 3: Chopping the vegetables
Peel and finely chop the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. If you want a spicier taste, slice the hot pepper into thin rounds. Crush the garlic slightly with the blade of a knife to release its aroma.

Step 4: Adding the vegetables
When the water in the pot starts to boil, add the chopped vegetables (onion, carrots, bell pepper, and garlic). Let the soup simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes so that the vegetables soften and release their flavors.

Step 5: Adding the green beans
After 30 minutes, add the frozen green beans. This ingredient will add a crunchy texture and fresh taste to your soup. Boil everything together for another 15 minutes.

Step 6: Finishing the soup
Finally, add the broth, celery leaves, and fresh parsley. These ingredients will enhance the soup's flavor and give it a vibrant appearance. Taste and add salt if necessary, considering that the smoked meat may already be salty.

Step 7: Serving
Once the soup is ready, serve it hot, with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. You can also add slices of hot pepper and green or red onion for a pleasing appearance and more intense flavor.

Practical Tips:

- Freezing the beans: When preparing your green beans for winter, add a cleaned pepper, a tomato, and celery and parsley leaves alongside them. These will add extra flavor when you use them.
- Variations: You can replace the smoked meat with chicken or pork for a less smoky version. Additionally, you can add other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or potatoes to diversify the recipe.
- Pair with...: This soup pairs perfectly with freshly baked homemade bread or flavored croutons. A cold drink, such as fruit compote or herbal tea, will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional Benefits:

Green bean soup is rich in essential nutrients. Green beans are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and manganese. The smoked meat provides quality protein but should be consumed in moderation due to its fat and salt content. This soup is perfect for boosting the immune system and maintaining a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use fresh green beans?
Yes, if you have fresh green beans, you can use them. Just make sure to clean and cut them into suitable pieces.

2. How can I make the soup vegetarian?
You can eliminate the smoked meat and replace it with mushrooms or additional vegetables, adding smoked spices to keep the rich flavor.

3. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.

Personal Note:

This green bean soup with smoked meat is a recipe that reminds me of family meals, where every spoonful was filled with stories and smiles. I hope you bring a bit of magic into your kitchen with this simple and tasty recipe. Every step is an opportunity to create something special, so enjoy the process and don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones!