Mediterranean Winter Soup
A hearty Mediterranean winter soup featuring tender meats, vegetables, and rich flavors, perfect for warming up cold days and satisfying comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove meat from bones of ox tails, lamb shanks, and ham hock after boiling for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Remove the meat from the bones.
- Add potatoes, carrots, onion, and whole cut-up chicken to the broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cooked meats to the broth.
- Add cabbage, tomato paste, blood sausage, and 1/2 cup rice.
- Simmer for 25 minutes.
- Remove the sausage and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of meats, such as adding some beef shank along with the lamb and ham hock. If you can't find gonzo beans, great northern or cannellini beans can be a good substitute. Additionally, feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Cooking the meats longer will enhance their tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean Winter Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of Barley Pilaf or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, and consider a drizzle of olive oil on top for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mediterranean Winter Soup contains roughly 567 calories, with 16g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (99% of the Daily Value), potassium (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. It's a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of blood sausage?
If blood sausage is not available or if you prefer not to use it, you can substitute with a flavorful smoked sausage or chorizo. This will add a similar depth of flavor to the soup while keeping the Mediterranean theme intact.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup by adding more vegetables such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure everything is cooked through and tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).