Potato soup with pork and lovage

Potato soup with pork and lovage - A recipe with soul

Potato soup with pork and lovage is a traditional recipe, loved by many and appreciated for its comforting flavor. This soup is more than just a simple dish; it is a true story of ingredients that harmoniously intertwine, reminding us of warm family meals. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicacy, step by step, with plenty of useful tips and delicious variations.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8

Basic ingredients:

- 1 kg pork (ideal is the thigh)
- ½ kg potatoes (preferably a floury variety that doesn't break down easily)
- 2-3 larger carrots
- 2 parsley roots
- 1 piece of leek (or a piece from a larger one, depending on preference)
- ½ red bell pepper
- ¼ celery
- 2 medium onions
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Vegeta (optional, for extra flavor)
- Borscht (to taste, for sourness)
- Fresh lovage (for a vibrant taste)
- 1 jar of sour cream (for serving)
- 2 egg yolks (to enrich the soup)
- 50 ml olive oil (or another type of oil, depending on preference)
- 1 bay leaf

Step by step, how to prepare the perfect soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. Chop the onion, bell pepper, leek, and carrots finely. Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes, while the celery and parsley can be cut into small cubes or rounds, depending on preference.

2. Sauté the vegetables:
In a large pot, add the oil and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the onion, bell pepper, leek, and carrot. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly translucent. This step is essential as the heat will intensify their flavors.

3. Add the meat:
Wash the pork and cut it into small pieces. Add it to the pot with vegetables and mix well. Let them sauté together for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Cooking the soup:
Once the meat is lightly browned, add hot water, ensuring there is enough to cover the ingredients. Season with salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Let it simmer over medium heat until the meat is almost cooked (about 20 minutes).

5. Add the potatoes:
Once the meat is halfway cooked, add the diced potatoes. They will add consistency to the soup. Let everything simmer together for another 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes become soft.

6. Preparing the cream mixture:
Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sour cream until you get a homogeneous mixture. This will add creaminess to the soup, making it even more delicious.

7. Uniting the flavors:
When the potatoes are ready, add the borscht to taste and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Then, with a ladle, take a few spoonfuls of the soup and slowly add them to the cream mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once you have a homogeneous mixture, pour it back into the pot with the soup.

8. Finalizing:
Remove the soup from the heat and add the finely chopped lovage. Mix well and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. During this time, the flavors will blend even better.

Serving:
Potato soup with pork is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and, for those who prefer a bit of spice, add a fresh chili pepper on the side. It pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade fresh bread.

Variations and useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of meat, such as beef or chicken.
- If you prefer a more sour taste, you can add lemon juice instead of borscht.
- If you want to enrich the flavor, you can also add a teaspoon of tarragon or dill, which pair very well with lovage.
- The soup is even tastier the next day when the flavors have melded.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in protein due to the pork and full of vitamins from the vegetables. The potatoes provide complex carbohydrates that offer energy, while lovage is known for its antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- How long can the soup be kept in the fridge?
The soup can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the soup.

This potato soup with pork and lovage is an excellent choice for a family meal, full of flavors and tradition. I invite you to try it and bring a little of your soul into each serving. Enjoy your meal!