Mushroom and Smoked Meat Soup with Melted Cheese

This delightful mushroom and smoked meat soup offers a comforting and rich flavor that is perfect for any time of year. It's a straightforward recipe that combines earthy mushrooms, hearty potatoes, and vibrant carrots with the savory taste of smoked meat. Melted cheese gives the soup a creamy texture that enhances its overall taste. With simple seasonings of salt and pepper, the natural flavors of the ingredients shine. It's a versatile dish that can be easily adjusted to suit various dietary needs. The preparation is quick, with everything ready in just over half an hour. Whether you're serving it as a starter or a main course, this soup is sure to impress. Pair it with a crusty bread or a fresh salad to create a satisfying meal. Enjoy the journey of making a wholesome dish that warms both heart and soul.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 200 g mushrooms
• 4 potatoes
• 2 carrots
• 100 g smoked meat
• 1/2 block of melted "Dzintara" cheese
• 1.5 liters water

Spices:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil for frying

Preparation Time

35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the vegetables by cleaning and slicing the mushrooms, peeling and grating the carrots, and peeling and dicing the potatoes into soup-friendly chunks.
2. Heat some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and grated carrots, cooking them until they are soft and lightly golden.
3. Dice the smoked meat into small pieces. In the same pan, lightly fry the smoked meat until it's browned and fragrant.
4. Boil the water in a large pot. Once bubbling, add the diced potatoes and browned smoked meat. Let them simmer together for about 10 minutes.
5. Add the cooked mushrooms and carrots to the pot. Stir well and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
6. Reduce the heat and slowly add the melted cheese, stirring continuously to avoid clumping.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the flavors to meld for another minute or two.
8. Serve hot and enjoy! This soup is best served immediately, while the cheese is freshly melted and creamy.

Tips

• Substitute smoked meat with smoked tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Add a splash of cream to make it extra creamy.
• Feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: 15g
• Fats: 10g
• Carbs: 30g

Variations

• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
• Incorporate different mushrooms such as shiitake or portobello for varied textures.
• Lactose-free cheese can replace the melted "Dzintara" cheese for a dairy-free option.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with fresh chopped herbs such as parsley or dill for added color and taste.

Best Places

• Mushroom Fever Cafe - A cozy spot known for its innovative mushroom dishes. Location: 123 Forest Drive, Portland, USA.
• The Smoked Bistro - Enjoy a variety of smoked meat dishes with local flair. Location: 45 Meat Street, Austin, USA.
• Cheesy Haven - Offers a wide range of gourmet cheese dishes. Location: 77 Dairy Lane, Melbourne, Australia.
• Soupy's Delight - Famous for hearty, home-cooked soups. Location: 59 Broth Boulevard, Toronto, Canada.
• The Veggie Vase - Celebrated for creative vegetarian dishes. Location: 22 Greenway, Edinburgh, UK.
• Carrot and Spices - Known for vibrant carrot-based creations. Location: 8 Orange Avenue, Mumbai, India.
• Potato and Friends - Specializes in potato-centric meals. Location: 14 Tuber Alley, Dublin, Ireland.
• The Gourmet Grinder - Offers upscale dining with refined dishes. Location: 35 Culinary Street, Paris, France.
• Café Comfort - A quaint place perfect for comfort food. Location: 6 Cozy Corner, Vancouver, Canada.
• Herb and Harvest - Known for combining fresh herbs with hearty meals. Location: 60 Garden Path, Cape Town, South Africa.