Pig soup with cabbage juice

Pig soup with cabbage juice – a rustic delight, full of flavors and traditions!

Pig soup with cabbage juice is a recipe that evokes warm memories from grandmothers' kitchens, where each ingredient has a story. This soup is not only an excellent way to utilize cabbage juice but also a nutrient-rich dish, ideal for chilly days. Let’s embark together on the preparation of this hearty and aromatic soup!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork bones with meat (choose bones with a bit of meat for a richer taste)
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsnip root
- 1 parsley root
- 1 celery
- 1 onion
- 2-3 potatoes (preferably starchy potatoes)
- 1 bell pepper (you can choose a red bell pepper for vibrant color)
- 100 g peas (frozen)
- 3 tablespoons crushed tomatoes (canned, for an intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for an extra flavor boost)
- Oil (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- Cabbage juice (can be sweet or sour, depending on your preference)
- 1 bunch of lovage (fresh, for flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the bones: Start by washing the pork bones well. Place them in a large pot, add cold water, and let them boil. After the water has boiled, discard the first water to eliminate impurities. This step is essential for a clean and tasty soup.

2. Boiling the bones: Add cold water again over the bones and let them boil over medium heat until the meat separates from the bones, about 45 minutes.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onion, carrots, parsnip, parsley root, and celery. These vegetables will add a sweet taste and pleasant aroma to the soup.

4. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil and add the chopped vegetables. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to maintain their crunchy texture. This is an essential technique to bring the flavors of the vegetables to life.

5. Adding the soups: Once the bones are boiled, remove them onto a plate and strain the obtained broth. Add the strained juice over the sautéed vegetables and let them simmer together for 20 minutes.

6. Adding the potatoes and peas: Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Add them to the pot with the soup along with the frozen peas and let them boil for another 20 minutes. The potatoes will provide a creamy and consistent texture to the soup.

7. Adding the meat and tomatoes: Once the meat has cooled, remove it from the bones and add it to the soup. Then, integrate the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. These will intensify the soup's aroma and color.

8. Including the cabbage juice: Boil the cabbage juice separately, bringing it to a boil. Add it to the soup, tasting to adjust the sourness. It’s important to adjust the cabbage juice according to your preferences – sometimes, a more sour soup may be just what you desire!

9. Finalizing the soup: Adjust with salt and pepper, add the finely chopped lovage, and let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The lovage will provide a fresh and aromatic taste, perfect to complete the dish.

10. Serving: Pig soup with cabbage juice is served hot, ideally with sour cream and hot pepper for those who appreciate a bit of spice. If you prefer a less spicy version, finely chopped red onion can be a delicious alternative.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in protein due to the pork meat and the vegetables that bring vitamins and fibers. Cabbage juice contributes to healthy digestion, being a natural source of probiotics. It is a hearty dish, perfect for warming the soul on colder days.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can use beef or chicken, but the taste will vary.
- How can I make the soup lighter? You can reduce the amount of meat and add more vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans.
- What other spices can I use? You can experiment with thyme or marjoram to give a different aroma.

Possible variations:
You can add other seasonal vegetables, such as pumpkin or arugula, or you can replace the cabbage juice with lemon juice for a fresh note. Additionally, you can add a few peppercorns or bay leaves during boiling for a more complex flavor.

Cook with heart and enjoy every bite! Pig soup with cabbage juice is more than just a recipe; it's an experience that will fill your home with delicious aromas and bring you closer to culinary traditions. Enjoy your meal!