Smoked ham hock potato soup

Potato soup with smoked pork hock: A comforting delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Potato soup with smoked pork hock is a traditional dish that combines the rich and comforting flavors of simple, healthy ingredients. This recipe not only brings a delicious taste but also has an interesting story behind it, being a dish that has been prepared for generations, bringing families together around the table. It is perfect for chilly days when we crave something warm and hearty.

Ingredients needed:

- 1 smoked pork hock (approximately 1-1.5 kg)
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 onion
- 6 large potatoes
- Juice from 2-3 hot peppers (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- 250 ml sour cream (preferably fatty, for better taste)

Preparation of potato soup with smoked pork hock:

1. Boiling the hock: Start by cutting the hock in half for more even cooking. Place it in a large pot, fill with enough water to cover it completely, and bring to a boil. Let it simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes until it starts to soften. This step is essential as the smoked hock will give a rich and deep flavor to the soup.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel the carrots, parsley root, and onion. Cut the carrots and parsley into small cubes, and chop the onion finely. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to the soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: After the hock has boiled halfway, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Cover everything with water if necessary, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are almost cooked.

4. Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into large cubes. Add them to the pot and let them cook with the other ingredients until they become soft, about 20 minutes.

5. Grating the carrot: To give the soup a nice color, take half a carrot and grate it on the fine side of the grater. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the grated carrot for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly golden. Add it to the soup.

6. Preparing the roux: In the same pan, add the 4 tablespoons of oil, and when it is hot, add 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns golden. This is the roux that will thicken the soup and give it a richer taste.

7. Finishing the soup: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the roux to the soup. Stir well to combine evenly. Then, add the sour cream and the juice from the hot peppers, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Finalizing: Let the soup simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes so that the flavors blend perfectly. You can check the taste again, adjusting the seasoning if necessary.

Serving the soup: Potato soup with smoked pork hock is delicious served hot. You can add fresh hot peppers or pickles on the side for a pleasant contrast. A slice of homemade bread or steaming polenta will perfectly complete the meal.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the hock: Choose a hock with plenty of meat but also a little fat to achieve a tasty, not overly greasy soup.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or bell pepper, to diversify the flavors. Additionally, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Storing the soup: The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The flavor will become even better as the ingredients meld together.

Nutritional benefits: This soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals due to the included vegetables. The smoked hock adds quality protein and a rich flavor, while the sour cream provides healthy fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken instead of hock? Of course! The soup will have a different taste, but it will be just as delicious.
- How spicy will the soup be? It depends on the amount of hot pepper juice you add. You can start with a little and adjust to taste.

Potato soup with smoked pork hock is more than just a dish; it is a serving of comfort and warmth, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. So, step into the kitchen, follow the steps above, and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal! Bon appétit!