Smoked rib soup

Smoked bacon soup is a delicacy that combines tradition with authentic flavor. This recipe, rich in aromas and textures, is perfect for cool days when you want to indulge in a hearty and savory dish. I will guide you step by step to achieve a delicious soup that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

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

Your ingredients for smoked bacon soup:
- 500-600 g smoked bacon
- 2 medium onions
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 celery (approximately 100 g)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably sweet pepper)
- 200 g noodles (or more, according to preference)
- 400 ml tomato juice (or 4 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
- 200 ml cabbage juice (or more, to taste)
- 2 eggs
- salt (to taste)
- greens (lovage, celery, or tarragon, according to preference)

Useful tips for your ingredients:
1. Smoked bacon: Choose a piece with a layer of meat for a richer flavor. The smokiness adds a distinctive aroma, but be careful with the salt content, as it can be salty.
2. Fresh vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables. Onion, carrot, and celery will provide an excellent aromatic base.
3. Noodles: You can opt for homemade noodles or dried ones, but make sure to cook them according to the package instructions.
4. Greens: Fresh herbs will add a touch of freshness and color to the soup, so don’t skip them!

Preparing the smoked bacon soup:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Peel the onion, carrot, parsnip, celery, and bell pepper. Chop the onion finely, and the carrot, parsnip, and celery can be grated or diced into small cubes, depending on your preference.

2. Boiling the vegetables: In a large pot, add about 2 liters of water and bring it to a boil. When the water starts boiling, add the chopped vegetables. Let them boil over medium heat for about 20 minutes until they become slightly soft. This step is essential for developing the flavors of the soup.

3. Preparing the bacon: Meanwhile, blanch the smoked bacon to remove excess salt and impurities. Place it in a pot of boiling water and let it boil for 5-7 minutes. Then, remove it, let it cool slightly, and cut it into suitable pieces.

4. Adding the bacon: After the vegetables have boiled, add the pieces of bacon to the pot. Continue to cook for 30 minutes so that the flavors blend.

5. Completing the soup: Once the bacon is well integrated, add the tomato juice and cabbage juice, both essential for giving the soup a pleasant sour taste. Taste and add salt if necessary, considering the smokiness.

6. Noodles: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the noodles and let them boil according to the package instructions. They will absorb the flavors of the soup and become a staple ingredient.

7. Enriching the soup: In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs and gradually add them to the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. This step will give the soup a creamy texture.

8. Finalizing and serving: Finally, add the finely chopped fresh herbs to the pot. This will add a touch of freshness and a vibrant aroma. The soup is ready to be served!

Serving suggestion: Serve the soup with a spoonful of sour cream on top and, if you like, alongside freshly chopped hot pepper for an extra kick. It’s a perfect combination that will delight any food lover!

Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of smoked bacon soup contains approximately 320-400 calories, depending on the amount of bacon and sour cream added. This soup is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the vegetables and smoked meat, providing a balanced nutritional intake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken or beef?: Yes, you can replace the smoked bacon with chicken or beef, but the soup will not have the same smoky flavor.
2. How can I make the soup more sour?: If you like a sourer soup, you can add more cabbage juice or a little lemon juice.
3. Can I make the soup vegetarian?: Absolutely! A vegetarian version can be made by omitting the meat and using additional vegetables for extra flavor.

Possible variations: You can experiment with various vegetables, such as zucchini or potatoes, and replace lovage with other herbs, such as basil, for a different taste.

This smoked bacon soup recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an invitation to stories, memories, and moments spent with loved ones. Savor every bite and enjoy the flavors that speak of tradition and warmth!