Pork soup with tarragon

Pork Soup with Tarragon

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Pork soup with tarragon is a comforting traditional dish, full of flavors and soul, perfect for cool days or to bring a touch of warmth to ordinary days. This recipe not only combines textures and tastes but also reminds us of family meals, where each ingredient has its place, contributing to a delicious final result.

The history of pork soup with tarragon is closely tied to culinary traditions that emphasize the use of seasonal ingredients and the preparation of dishes with deep roots in gastronomic culture. Tarragon, with its distinct aroma, adds a touch of freshness and a slightly tangy taste that makes the soup special.

Ingredients:
- 500 g pork (preferably shoulder or neck)
- 2 carrots
- 1 celery root
- 1 onion
- 1 parsley root
- 1 parsnip
- 2 bell peppers (or sweet peppers)
- 2 potatoes
- 100 g rice
- 1 bunch of greens (parsley, celery, tarragon)
- 2 egg yolks
- 200 g sour cream
- salt to taste
- optional: vinegar or lemon juice to sour the soup

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the pork meat well under cold running water. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Clean and chop the vegetables: carrots, celery, onion, parsley, parsnip, and bell peppers. Dice the potatoes.

2. Boiling the meat: In a large pot, add the cut pork and fill with cold water, making sure there is enough liquid to cover the meat. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to boil. After a few minutes, you will notice foam forming on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove this foam so that the soup remains clear and appetizing.

3. Adding the vegetables: When the meat is half-cooked, add the chopped vegetables. They will help flavor the soup and give it a pleasant consistency. Let everything simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes.

4. Including the rice and potatoes: Once the vegetables have started to soften, add the rice and diced potatoes. The rice will add substance to the soup, turning it into a hearty main dish. Continue to let the soup cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the rice and potatoes are done.

5. Seasoning the soup: When all the ingredients are cooked, add salt to taste. Here you can choose to sour the soup with vinegar or lemon juice, depending on your preferences. This step is essential, as the acidity will balance the rich flavors of the meat and vegetables.

6. Thickening the soup: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with the egg yolks to form an emulsion. This mixture will make the soup creamier and add a rich flavor. Take a ladle of hot soup and gradually add it to the bowl with the sour cream, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the egg. Once you have a homogeneous mixture, pour it back into the pot.

7. Finalizing and serving: Finally, add the finely chopped fresh greens (parsley, celery, and tarragon) to bring freshness to the soup. Stir gently and let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Serving suggestions:
Pork soup with tarragon is served hot, alongside fresh bread or polenta, and a teaspoon of sour cream on top will make the dish even more delicious.

Possible variations:
For a meatless version, you can replace the pork with mushrooms or seasonal vegetables, keeping the rest of the ingredients. You can also experiment with different types of greens, such as lovage or dill, for a distinct flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use beef instead of pork? Absolutely, the soup will have a different taste, but it will be just as delicious.
- What can I do if I don’t have tarragon? You can use other herbs like basil or oregano, although the taste will be different.
- How long can I keep the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the flavor will intensify as it cools.

Nutritional benefits:
Pork soup with tarragon is rich in protein due to the pork and provides a good amount of vegetables, which supply essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, tarragon is known for its digestive and antioxidant properties, adding health benefits to your dish.

Useful tips:
- To enhance the soup's flavor, you can add a few peppercorns or a bay leaf during boiling.
- If you prefer a more tangy soup, you can add vinegar or lemon juice at the end, adjusting the acidity to taste.

With this recipe, you will succeed in bringing a traditional dish full of flavors and memories to your table. Pork soup with tarragon is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that will delight your family and friends. So, put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and enjoy every step of this delicious process!