Smoked potato soup

Potato soup with smoked meat

If you're looking for a recipe that combines tradition with enticing flavors, you've come to the right place. Potato soup with smoked meat is a perfect choice for chilly days, bringing not only delicious tastes to the table but also a family story full of nostalgia. This recipe will transform your kitchen into a warm and welcoming place, where the aroma of fresh ingredients will remind you of Sunday meals at home.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 500g smoked bacon or smoked meat
- 1 large onion
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 3 medium carrots
- 5 large potatoes
- Borscht (or borscht in a packet, as you prefer)
- 1 bunch of lovage
- 1 bunch of parsley
- Tarragon (to taste)
- 2 egg yolks
- 300 ml sour cream
- Oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and finely chopping the large onion and green onions. Slice the carrots into rounds, and cut the bacon into small pieces, suitable for even cooking.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add a little oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they become slightly translucent and release their aromas. This step is essential for adding depth of flavor to your soup.

3. Adding the smoked meat: After the vegetables have sautéed, add the cut bacon and mix well. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes, until the bacon releases its fat and flavors into the pot.

4. Boiling the meat: Pour approximately 4 liters of water over the ingredients in the pot. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 2 hours. It's important to be patient at this stage, as the meat will become tender and enrich the soup with flavor. If the water in your area is very hard, as it is in England, boiling may take a little longer.

5. Adding the potatoes: After 2 hours, peel and cut the potatoes into medium cubes. Add them to the pot and let them boil together with the other ingredients over medium heat until tender, about 20-25 minutes.

6. The borscht: When the potatoes are ready, add the borscht. If you're using borscht in a packet, follow the instructions on the package. If you have liquid borscht, it's recommended to slightly reduce the amount of water added initially. Taste and season with salt and pepper. You can also add a bit of Delikat, if you like.

7. Herbs: Finally, add the finely chopped lovage and tarragon. These will add a touch of freshness and aroma to your soup. Let it simmer together for a few minutes.

8. Preparing the sour cream: In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sour cream until you obtain a smooth paste. This method will prevent the sour cream from curdling. Take a spoonful of the soup and dilute the sour cream mixture, repeating a few times until it reaches the temperature of the soup.

9. Finalizing: Pour the diluted mixture into the soup, stirring gently to avoid ruining the texture. Let the soup cool slightly, then it's ready to serve.

10. Serving: You can serve the soup with finely chopped red onion or with chili peppers for an extra burst of flavor. These garnishes not only enhance the plate's appearance but also add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical tips:
- If you want a heartier soup, you can add other vegetables, such as celery or bell peppers.
- This soup keeps well in the fridge and even improves in flavor the next day, when the flavors have had time to meld.
- You can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter yet equally delicious version.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is an excellent source of protein due to the smoked meat, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The potatoes provide essential carbohydrates, and the fresh herbs are full of antioxidants.

Vegetarian version:
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the smoked meat with mushrooms or a mix of sautéed vegetables, and instead of borscht, you can use lemon juice for a sour taste.

Pairings and drink suggestions:
This soup pairs wonderfully with homemade bread, fresh out of the oven. If you're a wine enthusiast, a dry white wine or a must is the perfect choice to complement the meal.

So, don't hesitate any longer! Gather the ingredients and prepare this delicious potato soup with smoked meat. Each spoonful will bring you not only an explosion of flavors but also a piece of culinary tradition that connects us to our loved ones. Enjoy your meal!