Vegetable soup with pork ribs

Vegetable borscht with pork ribs

Welcome to my kitchen, where today I will reveal the recipe for vegetable borscht with pork ribs, a traditional dish full of flavor and color that brings comfort in every bowl. This borscht is perfect for cool days or for moments when you simply want to indulge in a warm and healthy meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 1 piece of smoked pork rib (about 2 kg)
- 2 medium carrots
- 1/2 celery
- 5 small potatoes
- 2 parsnip roots
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 red onions
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 hot red pepper (optional)
- 1 liter of borscht
- 5 eggs
- 1 fresh tomato or a can of tomatoes in juice
- Salt, freshly ground pepper, dried tarragon, and other spices to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning all the vegetables. Wash the carrots, celery, parsnip, potatoes, and onions well. Cut the carrots into rounds, the celery into cubes, and the parsnip and potatoes into suitable pieces. Cut the bell peppers into strips, and dice the tomato. This mix of vegetables will not only add flavor but also a vibrant palette of colors to the borscht.

2. Boiling the vegetables
Put 3 liters of water in a large pot and bring it to a boil. Add the chopped vegetables and let them boil over medium heat for about 20 minutes until they become slightly tender.

3. Preparing the pork rib
Meanwhile, wash the smoked pork rib in several waters to remove excess salt and smoke. Cut the meat into smaller pieces for even cooking. Add these pieces to the boiling water, but remember to discard the first boiling water to reduce the intensity of the smoky flavor.

4. Combining the ingredients
After the vegetables have boiled, add the pork rib to the pot. In a separate pot, bring the borscht to a boil. When the borscht starts to boil, pour it over the vegetables and meat in the pot. Let everything simmer over medium heat for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to combine harmoniously.

5. Seasoning the borscht
At this point, you can add your preferred spices. I recommend adding salt and dried tarragon, but feel free to experiment with other herbs you like. Season to taste and let it come to a few more boils.

6. Preparing the eggs
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and carefully pour them into the boiling borscht, stirring continuously to create delicious curds. This step is essential for achieving a pleasant texture and an appetizing appearance.

7. Serving
Once everything has boiled well, remove the pot from the heat. Add the chopped fresh parsley and freshly ground pepper for a touch of freshness. If you like a bit of heat, add the sliced hot red pepper. You can serve the borscht with two or three tablespoons of sour cream for a creamy and rich taste.

Personal note
For an extra flavor boost, I suggest serving the borscht alongside a slice of freshly baked homemade bread or with some homemade croutons. This vegetable borscht with pork ribs is not only a tasty dish but also a meal that brings back memories of family gatherings.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on the amount of meat and oils used. The borscht is rich in vitamins due to the fresh vegetables, and the pork provides essential proteins for the body. Tarragon, used as a seasoning, has antioxidant properties and is known for its beneficial effects on digestion.

Frequently asked questions
Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! This recipe can be adapted using chicken or even beef, depending on your preferences.

Is it possible to make the borscht vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the meat and add more vegetables or even tofu for a savory vegetarian borscht.

How can I keep the borscht longer?
The borscht keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavor actually improves as it cools, as the flavors have time to meld. You can freeze the borscht, but make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers.

What can I pair this borscht with?
This borscht pairs perfectly with a summer salad or with steaming polenta, and for an extra flavor boost, don't hesitate to accompany the meal with a glass of dry white wine.

In conclusion, this vegetable borscht with pork ribs is a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a warm and welcoming atmosphere to your home. So, put on your chef's attire, gather the ingredients, and let's cook together! Enjoy your meal!