Pupinu Soup Delight

Pupinu soup is a hearty and comforting dish, originating from Latvia. This soup is deeply rooted in Eastern European culinary traditions and is known for its rich flavors and nourishing qualities. Made with simple ingredients, it represents the essence of home-cooked meals, served warm and steaming, often enjoyed by families on chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 smoked pork shank
200-300 g of beans (variety: white and speckled)
2 handfuls of pearl barley
2 potatoes
2 carrots
1 onion
1 slice of celery root

Spices

2 bay leaves
10 whole black peppercorns
3 whole allspice berries

Others

3 liters of water

Preparation Time

Total Time: 120 minutes

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 100 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the smoked pork: Place the smoked pork shank in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the pot to a boil. Skim off any dark foam that rises to the surface for a clearer broth.
Add main ingredients and spices: Once the broth is clear, add the beans, pearl barley, sliced carrot, chopped onion, and diced celery root. Include the bay leaves, peppercorns, and allspice for that distinctive aroma.
Simmer patiently: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about two hours or until the meat starts to pull away from the bone. This develops the rich, deep flavors of the soup.
Check the beans: If the beans remain firm while the meat is tender, remove the meat and continue to cook until the beans are soft.
Incorporate the vegetables: When the beans are nearly done, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Continue to cook until the potatoes are tender.
Finish and serve: Once the potatoes are soft, taste the soup for seasoning and adjust as necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving for a cleaner presentation.
Enjoy: Serve steaming hot, perhaps with hearty bread on the side.

Tips

Substitute meats: You can use smoked pork ribs if a pork shank is unavailable.
Vegetable variations: Feel free to include parsnips or additional root vegetables for extra depth of flavor.
Bean selection: Use a mix of white and speckled beans, or substitute with lentils for a different texture.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Protein: 25 g
Fats: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g

Variations

Vegetarian version: Omit the pork and use smoked paprika to achieve a smoky depth.
Gluten-free: Replace pearl barley with quinoa or rice for gluten-free alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Side dishes: Serve with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Garnishes: Top with fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and freshness.

Best Places

Explore some of the world’s finest places to experience unique soups:

Borscht & Beyond - A cozy spot specializing in Eastern European soups. Location: Riga, Latvia.
Soups and Shots - Known for its inventive takes on traditional soups. Location: New York City, USA.
Broth & Bowl - Offers a wide array of soups from around the world. Location: Berlin, Germany.
Soup Street - Famous for its comforting soups and relaxed atmosphere. Location: Budapest, Hungary.
The Soup Club - Features daily changing soup menus. Location: London, UK.
Chez Camille - A gourmet bistro with a focus on traditional soups. Location: Paris, France.
Venezuelan Sancocho House - Renowned for its authentic sancocho. Location: Caracas, Venezuela.
Mama's Kitchen - A family-run place with rich soups passed down generations. Location: Krakow, Poland.
Cocina de Pueblo - Celebrates the flavors of traditional Latin soups. Location: Lima, Peru.
Sopa de Casa - Famed for its rich, homemade soups. Location: Barcelona, Spain.

Enjoy exploring the culinary worlds with rich, comforting soups like the Pupinu soup and more!