Sweet cabbage soup with smoked meat

Sweet cabbage soup with smoked meat

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Sweet cabbage soup with smoked meat is a traditional dish loved by many for its rich aroma and comforting taste. This recipe not only brings a touch of warmth on colder days but is also an excellent way to serve healthy vegetables in a delicious and hearty combination.

Ingredients:
- 200 g homemade ham (or other smoked meat)
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 500 g fresh cabbage
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 parsnip
- 1 celery
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 10 cm of leek (white part)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg yolk
- 150 g sour cream
- 100 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon of starch
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with honey
- Fresh dill for serving

The story behind the recipe
This type of soup is a symbol of family meals, often prepared on weekends or special occasions. Cabbage, a staple ingredient in many cultures, is often associated with the colder seasons, providing a sense of comfort and warmth. The smoked meat adds an extra layer of flavor, turning a simple soup into a feast of aromas.

Step by step for a perfect soup

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Chop the cabbage into strips, and dice the carrots, parsley root, parsnip, celery, bell pepper, and onion. Slice the leek thinly. This step is essential to ensure even cooking.

2. Blanching the cabbage: Put a large pot of water to boil and add a teaspoon of salt. When the water is boiling, add the chopped cabbage and let it cook for 5 minutes. This step helps improve the texture of the cabbage, making it softer and easier to digest. After boiling, drain the cabbage in a colander.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In the same pot, add the oil, and once it is hot, add the onion and leek. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Continue by adding the other diced vegetables (carrots, parsley root, parsnip, celery, and bell pepper). These will add sweetness and flavor to the soup.

4. Adding the smoked meat: Once the vegetables are sautéed, cut the ham into small cubes and add it to the pot. Mix everything well, then season with salt, pepper, cumin, and sweet paprika. Here, you can also experiment with other spices, such as a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.

5. Boiling the soup: Add the blanched cabbage to the pot, mix well, and cover everything with about 4 liters of water. Add the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Let the soup boil for 30 minutes over medium heat, so all the flavors combine perfectly.

6. Preparing the sour cream sauce: In a bowl, mix the egg yolk with the sour cream, vinegar, starch, and milk. This mixture will add creaminess to the soup. After the soup has boiled, take a ladle of hot broth and add it to the sour cream bowl, mixing well to temper the mixture. Then pour the mixture into the pot, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

7. Finalizing and serving: Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Sprinkle fresh dill on top for added freshness and flavor. Serve the soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta.

Useful tips
- You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes, to make the soup heartier.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a chopped hot pepper.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen to be enjoyed later.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use pickled cabbage instead of fresh cabbage?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe, as pickled cabbage is already salty.

2. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
Replace the smoked meat with smoked tofu or seitan and use plant-based sour cream or soy yogurt.

3. How many calories does a serving have?
A serving of sweet cabbage soup with smoked meat has about 250-300 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients used.

Possible variations
- Instead of ham, you can use smoked sausages or chicken for a lighter version.
- The soup can be enriched with beans or lentils to increase its nutritional value.

Serving suggestion
I recommend serving this soup with a spoonful of sour cream on top and a few thin slices of homemade bread, freshly baked. This combination will turn the soup into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Enjoy your meal! This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of joy and warmth to your heart. Cooking is an art, and every soup has its story. I invite you to discover it!