Potato soup with ribs and cabbage juice

Potato soup with spare ribs and cabbage juice is one of those traditional recipes that combines comfort with flavor. This hearty soup will not only warm your soul but also bring a touch of nostalgia with every spoonful. Moreover, it is a versatile recipe that can be adapted according to your preferences. Let's embark on this culinary adventure together!

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

Ingredients:
- 700-900 g spare ribs (pork with bone)
- 2 carrots
- 2 bell peppers
- 2 parsley roots
- 2 parsnips
- 1 medium celery
- 1 red onion
- 1 white onion
- 1 bunch of dill
- 1 bunch of parsley
- Dried lovage (optional)
- Romanian thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Sweet paprika
- 200 g tomato paste
- Peppercorns
- 1 l cabbage juice (added gradually)
- 1 kg small potatoes

Step by step for a perfect soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling all the vegetables. This is an essential step, as fresh vegetables are the key to a flavorful soup. Cut the carrots, bell peppers, parsley roots, parsnips, and celery into cubes or slices, depending on your preferences. Also, don’t forget to chop the red and white onions. The potatoes should be diced, and to prevent oxidation, place them in a bowl of cold water.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a deep pan, heat a little oil and add the red onion, sautéing it over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Then, add the bell pepper and carrot, sautéing each ingredient for a few minutes. This process will help release the flavors and give a richer taste to your soup.

3. Boiling the meat: In a large pot, bring the spare ribs to a boil with water. Add a bay leaf, peppercorns, and a pinch of salt. Let it boil for 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is well cooked and easily separates from the bone.

4. Adding the vegetables: Once the spare ribs are boiled, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot, followed by the diced potatoes. Cover the pot and let everything simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender.

5. Enriching the soup: When the vegetables are cooked, gradually add the cabbage juice, tasting constantly to avoid making the soup too salty. This step is crucial, as the saltiness of the cabbage juice can vary depending on its preparation.

6. Finalizing the recipe: Add the dissolved tomato paste to the soup and the remaining chopped herbs (dill, parsley) and dried lovage. This will add a fresh note and an intense aroma to your soup. Cover the pot and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

7. Serving: The potato soup with spare ribs and cabbage juice is served hot, possibly with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can add a splash of sour cream for extra creaminess or a teaspoon of hot pepper if you like it spicy.

Practical tips:
- Using meat with bone, such as spare ribs, will give a rich flavor to the soup. You can also use other types of meat, but spare ribs are preferred for this dish.
- If you want a vegetarian variation, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans.
- The soup can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the flavor will improve after it sits, so don’t hesitate to prepare it in advance.

Nutritional benefits:
The potato soup with spare ribs is an excellent source of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins from vegetables. Potatoes are rich in potassium, and the vegetables provide essential fiber and vitamins. This soup can be a good choice for a hearty meal, especially on cold winter days.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can use beef or chicken, but the cooking time will vary.
- What can I do if I don't have cabbage juice? You can use water, but the soup won't have the same acidity and flavor. You can add a splash of vinegar to compensate.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add fresh hot peppers or chili flakes during cooking.

The potato soup with spare ribs and cabbage juice is not only a delicious recipe but also a way to bring family and friends together around the table. Each spoonful will bring a part of a culinary tradition that connects us and enriches our lives. Try this recipe and enjoy its enticing flavors!