Sorrel soup with smoked meat

Sorrel Soup with Smoked Meat: A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavor

Welcome to the delicious world of cooking! Today, we will explore a soup recipe that will not only warm your soul but also provide you with an authentic culinary experience. Sorrel soup with smoked meat is a comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or when you're craving something healthy and tasty. This simple and quick recipe combines the intense flavors of smoked meat with the freshness of vegetables, creating a dish that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

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

Ingredients
- 300 g sorrel (about 3 bunches)
- 100 g kohlrabi leaves (optional)
- 250 g smoked meat (can be bacon, sausage, or another type of smoked meat)
- 2-3 eggs
- 1 carrot
- 2-3 medium potatoes
- 2 green onions
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 l meat broth (or water, if preferred)
- 1 l sauerkraut juice (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- Lovage (fresh or dried, according to preference)
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper paste (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for sautéing

Ingredient details
- Sorrel: Rich in vitamins and minerals, it has a slightly bitter taste that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Make sure to choose fresh, green leaves without spots or yellowness.
- Smoked meat: Provides a deep aroma and intense flavor. You can experiment with different types of smoked meat to give your soup a personal touch.
- Kohlrabi leaves: These are optional but add a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
- Sauerkraut juice: Ideal for intensifying the soup's flavor. If you prefer, you can replace it with lemon juice for a touch of acidity.

Preparing the sorrel soup with smoked meat
1. Preparing the smoked meat: Cut the smoked meat into pieces and boil it in a pot with 1.5 l of water (or meat broth). Let it simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes to release its flavors.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, remove the central stems from the sorrel, wash the leaves well, and chop them finely. Do the same with the kohlrabi leaves. Peel the carrot and grate it using a large grater. Cut the potatoes into cubes. Mash the garlic, and leave the yellow onion whole to give the soup a delicate flavor.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the grated carrot until it becomes soft and vibrant in color. This step is essential for intensifying the vegetable flavors.

4. Adding the vegetables to the pot: Once the smoked meat is nearly cooked, add the cubed potatoes, sorrel, kohlrabi leaves, mashed garlic, and sautéed carrot to the pot. If using dried lovage, add it now; otherwise, you can add it at the end.

5. Boiling the soup: Let the soup simmer gently, covered, for about 15-20 minutes, until all the vegetables are cooked. The soup will develop a wonderful aroma, and the smoked meat will contribute to a rich taste.

6. Preparing the eggs: Beat the eggs in a bowl with a fork. Once the vegetables are cooked, take a ladle of hot soup and add it to the beaten eggs, stirring quickly to temper them. Then pour the mixture back into the pot with the soup and let it come to a boil twice.

7. Finishing the soup: After the two boils, turn off the heat. Add the warm sauerkraut juice, adjusting the taste with salt and pepper. If you have fresh lovage, now is the perfect time to sprinkle it on top, finely chopped.

8. Serving: Sorrel soup with smoked meat is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread and, if you like, a hot pepper for an extra kick. You can add a spoonful of sour cream to the bowl, but honestly, the soup is so delicious that it's not strictly necessary.

Helpful tips
- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to diversify the soup. You can also use smoked chicken or pork instead of beef.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but it's recommended to use fresh vegetables for better flavor.
- How can I adapt the recipe to be vegetarian? You can omit the smoked meat and use vegetable broth, and for added heartiness, add lentils or beans.
- Nutritional benefits: Sorrel soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, with a low calorie content. The smoked meat adds protein and intense flavor, while the vegetables contribute to fiber intake.

A personal note
This sorrel soup with smoked meat is a recipe I learned from my grandmother, who lovingly prepared it on spring days. I remember how the whole family would gather at the table, and the aroma of the soup would invite us to sit down. It’s a recipe that brings not only joy to our tables but also nostalgia and comfort. I encourage you to prepare it with the same passion and share its joy with your loved ones.

Enjoy your meal!