Peasant Pork Soup

Country-style pork soup - A recipe full of flavor

Country-style pork soup is one of those dishes that reminds us of family meals, the warmth of home, and culinary traditions passed down through generations. This soup, rich in vegetables and pork, is perfect for cool days or moments when we want to indulge in a comforting dish. I will guide you step by step through this delicious process, providing you with useful tips, nutritional information, and tricks to help you achieve a perfect soup.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 200 g pork (I recommend goulash for a richer taste)
- 1 white onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 celery
- 1 parsnip
- 100 g white cabbage
- 150 g yellow green beans
- 4 potatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons borscht (or more, to taste)
- Vegeta (optional)
- Olive oil

Details about the ingredients:
- Pork: Choose meat with a good balance of meat and fat to obtain a juicy soup. Goulash is ideal due to its tender texture.
- Vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to benefit from the best flavors. Onion, carrot, and celery are the base of the flavors, while cabbage and green beans add a crunchy texture.
- Borscht: This is the magic ingredient that gives the soup a pleasant acidity. You can adjust the amount according to your preferences.

Step by step for a delicious soup:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by peeling and chopping all the vegetables. You can grate the onion, and cut the carrots, celery, and parsnip into rounds. Chop the cabbage and green beans into small pieces.

2. Cutting the meat: Cut the pork into small cubes. Rinse the meat well under cold water and let it drain.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add a few tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, celery, parsnip, and cabbage. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly translucent and release their flavors.

4. Adding the meat: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the cubed pork. Mix well to combine the ingredients and let them sauté together for 10 minutes.

5. Boiling the soup: Add enough water to cover all the ingredients in the pot. Let it simmer, then add Vegeta and boil for 20 minutes.

6. The potatoes: Meanwhile, peel and cut the potatoes into small cubes. Add them to the pot and continue boiling the soup for another 15 minutes until the potatoes are soft.

7. The pasta: In another pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and add to the soup.

8. Flavoring the soup: Add the diluted tomato paste and borscht. Taste to check the acidity and adjust with more borscht or Vegeta if necessary. Add the lovage and black pepper, then let it simmer for a few more minutes.

9. Finishing: Finally, turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley. This will add a note of freshness to your soup.

10. Serving: Country-style pork soup is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread and can be accompanied by sour cream for an extra flavor boost.

Practical tips:
- If you want to enhance the flavor of the soup, you can add a few peppercorns or a bay leaf during cooking.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the pork with chickpeas or lentils for a healthier, lower-calorie option.
- If you have leftover soup, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for a quick meal later.

Estimated nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 7 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with beef or chicken, and the soup will have a different but equally delicious taste.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add zucchini, peas, or even sweet potatoes to vary the taste and texture.

3. How sour should the soup be?
The appreciation of acidity is subjective; add borscht gradually and taste to achieve the desired balance.

In conclusion, country-style pork soup is a versatile and easy-to-make dish, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. I encourage you to explore various customization options and create a recipe that becomes your favorite! Enjoy your meal!