Peasant soup with bone and dumplings

Peasant Soup with Bone and Dumplings - A Delicacy of Tradition

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

Peasant soup is a classic recipe, cooked with love and passion in numerous households, evoking memories of childhood and family meals. This rich soup, full of flavors and textures, is ideal for cool days or for moments when we crave something comforting. The dumplings add a special touch, turning this soup into a true feast. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Ingredients

- 1 large pork bone (approximately 500 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 large potato
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons of peas (fresh or frozen)
- 200 g celery
- Salt, to taste
- 2 eggs
- 4-5 tablespoons of white flour
- Fresh parsley, for serving
- Fresh lovage, for serving
- Hot pepper, optional
- Lemon juice, for a sour taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Bone
Start by washing the pork bone well. Break it in half with a hammer to allow the flavors to release into the soup. Place the bone in a large pot and add cold water, ensuring it is completely covered. Add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil.

2. Removing the Foam
Once the water starts boiling, it is normal for foam to form on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove this foam, ensuring the soup remains clear.

3. Changing the Water
After removing the foam, discard the water and refill the pot with about 3 liters of salted water. Put it back on the heat and let it boil.

4. Preparing the Vegetables
While the bone is boiling, clean the vegetables. Chop the onion, carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, potato, and celery into small cubes. The tomatoes can be quartered. These will add color and delicious flavor to the soup.

5. Adding the Vegetables
After about 30 minutes of boiling, add the vegetables to the pot.
Helpful tip: The carrot takes longer to cook; make sure it is well cooked before proceeding.

6. Preparing the Dumplings
In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs until frothy. Gradually add the flour and a little salt, mixing until you achieve a thick consistency, similar to heavy cream. Use a funnel or piping bag to add the dumplings to the soup. Let them drop into the boiling water, forming small dumplings.

7. Finalizing the Soup
Boil the soup with the dumplings for another 5 minutes. Check if all the ingredients are cooked properly. The soup is ready when the vegetables are soft and flavorful.

8. Serving
Take the soup off the heat and add chopped greens (parsley and lovage) for an extra freshness. You can add hot pepper and lemon juice to taste to make it more sour. Serve the soup hot, ideally with a slice of fresh bread.

Tips and Suggestions

- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as cauliflower or green beans, to enrich the flavor.
- Dumpling alternatives: For a lighter version, you can use semolina instead of flour, mixing it with the eggs.
- Enhancing the flavor: A bay leaf or a few whole peppercorns added during boiling can give the soup a special aroma.

Nutritional Benefits

This peasant soup is rich in protein due to the pork bone and contains plenty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, and celery are excellent sources of antioxidants, while parsley adds a boost of vitamin C.

Calories

Approximately, one serving of this soup contains between 250 and 350 calories, depending on the amount of bone and vegetables used. It is a nourishing and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use beef bone instead of pork bone?
Of course, beef bone can add a different flavor, but it will slightly change the taste of the soup.

- How long can I keep the soup?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

- Is it possible to freeze the soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to freeze the dumplings as they will lose their texture.

This recipe for peasant soup with bone and dumplings is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that brings together tradition and comfort. Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or indulge in a warm bowl on cool evenings, this soup will bring joy and warmth to your heart. Happy cooking!