Rustic Savory Soup

This rustic savory soup is a delightful blend of flavors rooted in traditional ingredients, offering a warm, hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Imagine a rich broth simmering slowly with bones infusing their essence over time, creating layers of umami perfection. The combination of cured meats introduces a smoky depth, while a selection of fresh vegetables like potatoes, turnip greens, carrots, and peas add texture and vibrant colors. Onions and garlic provide a savory base, enhancing the taste profile of the soup, especially when paired with a hint of spices. As it simmers, the hearty blend transforms into a comforting and satisfying dish that's great for gatherings or a simple family meal. The smell alone will entice anyone who catches a whiff. Thanks to its versatile nature, you can add your twist, such as a dollop of sour cream, enhancing its creaminess. It's a soup that feels like home, inviting everyone to slow down and savor each bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Water: approximately 5 liters
• Bones from leftover meats: amount as available (substitute with pork, chicken, or beef)
• Three slices of bacon and leftover roasted ribs from the previous night
• Potatoes: 10 pieces, peeled and cubed
• Turnip greens: 5-6 pieces, chopped
• Carrots: 4, grated
• Fresh onions: 3, sliced

Spices and Other Additions

• Garlic: to taste, minced
• Frozen peas: half a packet
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Preparation Time

Total Time: 100 minutes (20 minutes prep, 80 minutes cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Start by Preparing the Fire: If cooking outdoors, build a fire and place a large cast-iron pot with water to heat until boiling.
2. Add the Bones: Once boiling, add the bones to the pot. This will lend a deep, savory essence to the broth as it cooks.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the broth is simmering, peel and cut the potatoes into small cubes. Grate the carrots and set them aside with the frozen peas.
4. Finely Chop the Onions and Garlic: Slice the onions into fine half-moons and crush the garlic to release its flavors.
5. Simmer the Broth: Let the stock simmer for about an hour to extract the maximum flavor from the bones, creating a rich, aromatic base.
6. Strain the Broth: After simmering, carefully strain the broth into another container, retaining the liquid while discarding the bones.
7. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add a touch of oil to the pot, then sauté the onions and garlic until they become golden and fragrant.
8. Add Vegetables and Cook: Return the cubed potatoes, carrots, and peas to the pot with the sautéed onions. Let them cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Combine with Broth: Return the reserved broth to the pot, ensure the vegetables are submerged, and let it all simmer together for about 20 minutes.
10. Incorporate the Turnip Greens: Add the chopped greens, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer until the greens are tender.
11. Finishing Touch: Stir in some sour cream if desired for a creamy finish.
12. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with a swirl of sour cream on top.

Tips

• Substitutions: If you don't have leftover bones, you can use store-bought broth as a base.
• Enhancements: Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a slight tang, complementing the soup's richness.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider adding a touch of cream or a cornstarch slurry.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 300 per serving
• Protein: 15g
• Fats: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

Variations

• Vegan Version: Replace bones with vegetable broth and omit meats.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure all added ingredients, like spices, are certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty bread to soak up the broth.
• Serve alongside a light side salad for a balanced meal.

Best Places

• Café de la Paix - A historic Parisian café offering a comforting version of savory soup. Location: 5 Place de l'Opéra, Paris, France.
• Bors GasztroBár - Known for its eclectic soups in a vibrant atmosphere. Location: Kazinczy u. 10, Budapest, Hungary.
• Near & Far Cafe - Specializing in home-style soups with global influences. Location: Old High Street, Folkestone, UK.
• Soup Street - A celebrated spot for diverse, comforting soups. Location: Hudson St, New York, USA.
• Le Procope - The oldest café in Paris, renowned for its traditional soups. Location: 13 rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, Paris, France.
• Kaerele Restaurant - Combining traditional flavors with a modern twist in soups. Location: Tõnismägi 5, Tallinn, Estonia.
• Brooklyn Soup Company - Offers hearty bowls with a focus on freshness. Location: 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
• Cafe de Flore - A classic choice for soups with a Parisian flair. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
• Slurp Soup Cafe - Known for innovative takes on classic soups. Location: Parkhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Ramen Ya - Offers Japanese-inspired broth dishes. Location: Heiligeweg 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands.