Potato soup with smoked meat

Potato soup with smoked meat - a simple, delicious, and comforting recipe, perfect for chilly days. With a mix of fresh vegetables and an intense smoky flavor, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 5 medium potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 2 onions
- 1 bell pepper
- 500 g smoked pork rind (or other preferred smoked meats)
- 2 tablespoons of borscht powder (or fresh borscht, if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- Noodles, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling all the vegetables. Wash the potatoes, carrots, onions, and bell pepper well. Cut the potatoes into large cubes, the carrots into rounds, the onions finely, and the bell pepper into strips. This step is essential to ensure even cooking of the ingredients.

2. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, add about 2 liters of water and put it on medium heat. Once the water starts to boil, add the carrots and let them boil for 5 minutes. Then, add the onions and bell pepper, allowing them to cook together for another 5 minutes.

3. Adding the potatoes and smoked meat: After the vegetables have started to soften, add the diced potatoes and pieces of smoked pork rind. This ingredient will give the soup a deep flavor and rich taste. Let it boil for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are soft.

4. Seasoning the soup: Once the potatoes are nearly cooked, add the borscht and tomato paste. These will add a note of acidity and color to the soup. Season with salt to taste. Taste the soup and adjust the spices according to your preferences.

5. Finishing the soup: In the last 5 minutes of boiling, add the noodles. This will complete the texture of the soup and make the meal more substantial. The noodles will cook quickly, so make sure to monitor them.

6. Serving: Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley on top. You can also add a slice of fresh bread on the side to complete the meal.

Practical tips:
- You can vary the type of smoked meat used according to your preferences. Bacon, smoked sausages, or even ham are excellent options.
- If you want a tangier soup, you can add more borscht or lemon juice.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add some peppercorns or bay leaves during boiling.

Potato soup with smoked meat is not just a simple recipe but also a dish that brings comfort and warmth, perfect for enjoying on cold days. Enjoy your meal!