Soups - Smoked lentil soup by Sofia G. - Recipia
Smoked "lascute" soup

I propose a traditional recipe, full of flavor and comfort - smoked "lascute" soup. This dish will not only delight your taste buds but also warm you on chilly days, bringing back childhood memories and that feeling of home. The "lascute" soup is a dish that combines the aroma of smoked meat with the velvety texture of pasta, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 smoked ham hock (about 500 g)
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 1 piece of celery (about 100 g)
- 1 onion
- Salt, to taste
- 1 lemon or vinegar, to sour the soup
- 2 egg yolks
- 200 g cooking cream
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- Fresh chopped parsley
- 250 g pasta (preferably lasagna or larger pasta)

Nutritional information

This soup is rich in protein due to the smoked meat and eggs, while the vegetables add fiber and vitamins. A 250 g serving of soup contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of cream used. It is an excellent choice for a hearty meal, providing energy and essential nutrients.

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the meat
Start by washing the smoked ham hock thoroughly. If the meat comes from a home source, it may be saltier, so I recommend soaking it in warm water for 20 minutes. This step will help reduce the saltiness of the meat, ensuring the soup doesn't become too salty.

2. Boiling the meat
Place the ham hock in a large pot with 3 liters of cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then let it simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes. After boiling, remove the ham hock from the water and let it cool slightly before cutting it into small pieces.

3. Preparing the vegetables
While the ham hock is boiling, peel and finely chop the carrot, parsley root, celery, and onion. In a pan, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become slightly translucent and release their aromas.

4. Combining the ingredients
After sautéing the vegetables, add them to the pot with the soup, along with the cut pieces of meat. Let everything simmer together for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Cooking the pasta
In another pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but make sure to cook it al dente. Once ready, drain and rinse the pasta under cold running water to stop the cooking process.

6. Finishing the soup
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the pasta to the pot with the soup, stirring gently. Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 7-8 minutes. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the cream, thin the mixture with a little warm soup, and then add it to the pot, stirring well.

7. Seasoning the soup
Adjust the soup's saltiness to taste, and sour the soup with lemon juice or vinegar, depending on your preference. Add the chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Helpful tips

- Choosing the meat: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can use a piece of smoked meat with the bone, which will provide a richer taste to the soup.
- Vegetable variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the textures and flavors.
- Moisture source: If the soup seems too thick, you can add hot water to adjust the consistency.
- Serving: This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons.

Delicious combinations

The "lascute" soup pairs perfectly with a fresh summer salad or assorted pickles, which will complement its rich flavors. A refreshing drink, such as tomato juice or a citrus cocktail, will also provide a pleasant contrast to the taste of the smoked meat.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I substitute pasta with rice?
Yes, you can use rice instead of pasta. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice used.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a bit of chili pepper or cayenne pepper while sautéing the vegetables for a spicy kick.

3. How long does the soup keep in the refrigerator?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it's recommended to add fresh pasta only before serving to avoid it becoming soggy.

4. Can I freeze the soup?
The soup can be frozen, but it's advisable to avoid freezing the pasta, which may turn mushy upon thawing.

I hope this recipe for smoked "lascute" soup becomes one of your favorites. It is simple, tasty, and full of warmth, perfect for moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Soups - Smoked lentil soup by Sofia G. - Recipia

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