Pork knuckle soup

Pork Hock Soup - a Savory and Comforting Recipe

Pork hock soup is a perfect choice for cool days or for moments when we want to indulge in a hearty and flavorful dish. This recipe combines culinary tradition with simple yet quality ingredients to create a delicious soup that will delight the whole family.

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

Essential ingredients:
- 700 g pork hock
- 1 small onion
- 1 leek
- 1 parsnip
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 small celery
- about 1 red bell pepper (can also be frozen)
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 1 handful of rice
- 2 tablespoons Delikat (or to taste)
- 1 liter of borscht (or to preference)
- Lovage (fresh or frozen)
- Parsley (fresh or frozen)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the hock: Start by washing the pork hock well under cold running water. This is an important step to remove impurities and ensure a clean taste for the soup. Place the hock in a large pot, add water and a little salt. Boil the hock for about an hour. This boiling time will help release the flavors from the meat, giving the soup a rich taste.

2. Straining the broth: After the hock is boiled, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Then, strain the broth obtained twice to eliminate any impurities or fats. This step is essential for obtaining a clear and appetizing soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: Put the broth back on the heat and add the finely chopped vegetables: onion, leek, parsnip, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper. These vegetables will not only enrich the flavor of the soup but will also add a variety of colors and vitamins.

4. Preparing the hock: When the hock has cooled enough, cut it into suitable pieces. Add it to the pot with the vegetables and let everything simmer together for about 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to combine harmoniously.

5. Adding the rice: After the 20 minutes, add the rice, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. This simple trick will help prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Boil for 5 minutes until the rice starts to swell.

6. Incorporating the tomato juice: After the rice has boiled, add the tomato juice and let it simmer for a few moments. The tomato juice will add a pleasant acidity and vibrant color to the soup.

7. Seasoning: Now it’s time to season the soup. Add 2 tablespoons of Delikat (or to taste) and mix well. You can adjust the amount according to your preferences. If you like the soup a bit tangy, you can also add borscht to taste.

8. Finalizing the dish: Finally, add the finely chopped lovage and parsley, mixing well. These fresh herbs will provide a wonderful aroma and a beautiful appearance to the soup. Turn off the heat and let the soup sit covered for a few minutes for the flavors to meld.

Serving:
Pork hock soup is served hot, accompanied by a generous spoonful of sour cream and, for those who love spice, add slices of very hot pepper. This combination will turn each serving into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Practical tips:
- For an even richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf during the boiling of the hock. This will infuse the soup with a subtle aroma.
- If you prefer a more intense taste, you can use smoked hock instead of fresh hock. This will provide a depth of flavor to the soup.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the hock with mushrooms or seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or potatoes, and use vegetable broth.

Nutritional benefits:
Pork hock soup is rich in protein due to the pork and contains plenty of vegetables, making it a good source of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the rice adds complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy.

Calories (per serving): approximately 350-400 kcal, depending on the amount of sour cream added.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace the pork hock with chicken or beef, but the cooking time will change.

2. How can I store the soup?
The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later use.

3. What other spices can I add?
You can experiment with spices like marjoram or thyme, which can add an interesting note to your soup.

Pork hock soup is not just a simple dish, but a story of culinary tradition, a symbol of comfort and gathering around the table. I invite you to prepare it and enjoy every spoonful with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!