sour soup with beef

Sour soup with pork knuckle: A warm embrace on chilly days

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Sour soup with pork knuckle is one of those recipes that embraces our soul, especially on cold winter days. This warm soup, full of flavors and nutrients, reminds us of family meals, the joy of gathering, and the warmth of home. With a mix of tender meat and fresh vegetables, this recipe is not only delicious but also extremely nutritious.

The ingredients needed for sour soup with pork knuckle are simple yet crucial for achieving a perfect taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:
- 1 pork knuckle (about 1.5 kg)
- 1 large onion
- ½ celery
- 2 parsnips
- 1 large carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3 potatoes
- 1 handful of rice (about 100 g)
- Salt or Delikat (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of magic borscht (to add a sour and savory taste)
- 1 small can of tomatoes in juice (about 400 g)
- 1 bunch of lovage (to flavor the soup)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the pork knuckle: Start by cutting the pork knuckle into suitable pieces. Wash it well under cold running water, then blanch it to remove impurities. This step is essential for achieving a clear and tasty soup.

2. Cooking the meat: Place the pork knuckle in cold water in a large pot and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, skim the soup with a spoon to remove the foam that forms on the surface. Let it simmer on low heat, covered, for about 40 minutes or until the meat becomes tender.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the pork knuckle is boiling, finely chop the onion, celery, parsnips, carrot, and red bell pepper. These vegetables will add a rich flavor to your soup.

4. Adding the vegetables: Once the pork knuckle is nearly done, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Let them cook together with the meat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine perfectly.

5. Adding the potatoes and rice: Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Add them to the soup along with the rice. These ingredients will make the soup even heartier. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes and rice are cooked.

6. Preparing the tomato sauce: In a blender, mix the canned tomatoes until you achieve a smooth paste. Add this sauce to the soup and stir well. You can adjust the consistency of the soup by adding water or broth if necessary.

7. Adjusting the taste: Finally, season the soup with salt and magic borscht to taste. The sour flavor will add a special note.

8. Finishing the dish: Turn off the heat and add the finely chopped lovage for a fresh and invigorating aroma.

9. Serving: Serve the sour soup with pork knuckle hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. A drizzle of sour cream on top can make the soup even more delicious.

Practical tips:
- Always use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- If you want a tangier soup, you can add lemon juice or more magic borscht.
- Instead of pork knuckle, you can use beef or chicken to vary the recipe.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in protein from the meat, vitamins, and minerals from the vegetables, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Additionally, due to the vegetables, it is a good source of fiber, which aids digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using beef or chicken, but the cooking time may vary.
- Can the soup be frozen?
Of course! You can freeze the soup in portions to enjoy later, but it is recommended to add fresh lovage only when serving.

Delicious combinations:
Sour soup with pork knuckle pairs perfectly with a cabbage salad or a polenta dish. A light beer or a dry white wine can perfectly complement the meal.

This sour soup recipe with pork knuckle is not only comforting but also brings a touch of nostalgia for family meals. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a festive meal, it will surely be a success. I wish you a good appetite and many beautiful moments in the kitchen!