Sour peasant soup

Sour Country Soup: A Recipe from the Heart of Tradition

Sour country soup is one of those recipes that reminds you of moments spent with loved ones around the table on cold winter evenings. It is a dish that combines smoky flavors with the freshness of vegetables and the unmistakable taste of sour cabbage. In this recipe, I will share with you how to prepare this delicacy, step by step, with useful tips and variations that can add a touch of originality.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of smoked ham or ribs
- 3 carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 piece of celery
- 200 g green beans (from a jar or frozen)
- 2 potatoes
- 100 g rice
- 1 teaspoon vegetable concentrate
- Juice from 500 ml of pickled cabbage (or to taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream for serving

A short story about sour country soup:
Sour country soup is a dish that has been passed down from generation to generation, based on simple and accessible ingredients, but with a rich and comforting taste. This dish has been cooked over time in many households, becoming a symbol of hospitality and culinary tradition. It is perfect for chilly days when you need something to warm your soul.

Step by step for a perfect sour soup:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the piece of smoked ham or ribs well under a stream of warm water to remove excess salt and impurities. Then, cut the meat into suitable pieces so that it cooks evenly. Place the meat in a large pot and add cold water, enough to cover it completely.

2. Boiling the meat: Heat the pot over medium heat and let the meat boil for about an hour. This step is essential for obtaining a soup rich in flavors. Don’t forget to remove the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear liquid.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the meat is boiling, clean and finely chop the vegetables. The carrots, peppers, and celery should be diced, while the onion should be finely chopped. These will add sweetness and flavor to your soup.

4. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat has boiled, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Let them boil together with the meat for 15-20 minutes, until they become soft. If you are using frozen green beans, add them only after the vegetables are almost cooked.

5. Adding the potatoes and rice: Peel the two potatoes and cut them into small cubes. Add them to the pot along with the rice, mixing well. These ingredients will thicken the soup and give it a pleasant consistency.

6. Finalizing the soup: After about 10-15 minutes, when the potatoes and rice are cooked, add the cabbage juice, adjusting the amount according to how sour you want your soup. It’s best to start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to avoid overpowering it. Also, add the teaspoon of vegetable concentrate for extra flavor. Let the soup boil for another 5-10 minutes.

7. Flavoring the soup: Before turning off the heat, finely chop the parsley and dill and add them to the pot. These fresh herbs will bring an extra touch of freshness and color to your soup.

8. Serving the soup: Sour country soup is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream added to the bowl for a creamier taste. You can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a more appealing look. Serve the soup alongside a slice of fresh bread or cornbread.

Useful tips:
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace the smoked ham with chicken or turkey, which will add a different taste and reduce the fat content.
- Instead of rice, you can use bulgur or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
- Sour soup pairs perfectly with a salad of pickled cabbage or assorted pickles, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in protein due to the smoked meat and offers plenty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Additionally, the pickled cabbage juice contributes probiotics, beneficial for digestive health. Each serving has approximately 320 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream added.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I prepare the soup in advance? Yes, sour country soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavor will intensify as it sits.
- How can I store the soup? The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen to be consumed later.
- What is the best drink pairing? Sour soup pairs excellently with a dry white wine or freshly squeezed tomato juice, which will balance the acidity and complement the flavors of the dish.

Sour country soup is more than just a recipe; it is a symbol of culinary traditions and conviviality. So gather your family and friends around the table and enjoy a warm bowl of sour soup that will warm your soul and bring a smile to your face! Enjoy your meal!