Giblet Soup

Giblet Soup Recipe - Traditional Moldovan Dish

Region / culture: Moldova | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Giblet soup is a traditional dish that is popular in many Eastern European countries. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for cold winter days. The soup is made with giblets, which are the edible internal organs of poultry, such as the liver, heart, and gizzard. The giblets are simmered in water with vegetables and seasonings to create a rich and savory broth.

History

Giblet soup has been a staple in Eastern European cuisine for centuries. It is a dish that has been passed down through generations and is often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. The soup is believed to have originated in Poland and Ukraine, where it is known as "zupa z podrobow" or "zupa z kurzych podrobów."

Ingredients

2 qt (2 liters) water
1 qt (1 liter) sauerkraut juice
giblets and wings from one hen/turkey/goose or mixed
1 carrot
1 parsley root
1 large onion
0.5 celery root
chopped parsley and dill
salt

How to prepare

Boil the giblets and wings.
Remove any foam and add salt.
Add the finely chopped vegetables.
Once the meat is tender, add the sauerkraut juice that was boiled separately, along with the parsley and dill. Let it boil for a few more minutes.

Variations

You can add barley or rice to the soup for added texture and flavor.
For a richer broth, you can add a splash of cream or sour cream before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove any excess fat or skin from the giblets before cooking to prevent the soup from becoming greasy.

- For a richer flavor, you can roast the giblets in the oven before adding them to the soup.

- Adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the soup can help to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the giblet soup hot with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the giblets to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find sauerkraut juice, you can use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Giblet soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Giblet soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150 per serving

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

5g per serving

Proteins

15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Giblet soup is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains poultry giblets, which may be allergenic to some individuals.

Summary

Giblet soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking for a hearty and comforting meal.

Summary

Giblet soup is a classic dish that is hearty, flavorful, and nutritious. It is a great option for those looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up on a cold day. Enjoy this traditional Eastern European dish with your family and friends for a taste of culinary history.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Giblet Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new recipes and flavors. One day, while rummaging through her old recipe books, I stumbled upon a yellowed piece of paper tucked in between the pages. It was written in her elegant script, detailing the ingredients and steps to make Giblet Soup.

I was intrigued. I had never heard of Giblet Soup before, but the ingredients sounded familiar – giblets, vegetables, herbs, and spices. My grandmother noticed my interest and smiled knowingly. She told me that Giblet Soup was a traditional recipe passed down through generations in our family. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had learned it from hers. It was a dish that held a special place in our family history, and she was thrilled to pass it on to me.

With my grandmother's guidance, I set out to make Giblet Soup for the first time. We gathered the ingredients – giblets from the chickens we had raised, carrots, onions, celery, parsley, thyme, and bay leaves from our garden, and a handful of peppercorns and salt from the pantry. As I chopped and diced, my grandmother regaled me with stories of her own experiences making Giblet Soup. She told me about the time she accidentally added too much salt and had to start over, and the time she experimented with adding different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its savory aroma, my grandmother and I sat at the table, eagerly awaiting the first taste. When it was finally ready, we ladled steaming bowls of Giblet Soup into our favorite ceramic bowls and sat down to eat. The first spoonful was pure bliss – rich, flavorful, and comforting. I knew in that moment that Giblet Soup would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Giblet Soup countless times, each batch a little different from the last. I have added my own twist with a splash of white wine or a pinch of cayenne pepper, but the basic recipe remains the same. Whenever I make Giblet Soup, I am transported back to that first time in my grandmother's kitchen, learning a cherished family recipe that has been passed down through generations.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, teaching them the importance of tradition and the joy of cooking from the heart. Each time I make Giblet Soup, I am reminded of the love and care that went into creating it, and the memories of my grandmother that will forever be tied to this dish.

As I grow older, I find comfort in the familiarity of Giblet Soup – a reminder of where I come from and the legacy of strong, resourceful women who came before me. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, and for the countless hours spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the art of cooking and the importance of family. Giblet Soup will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bond between generations and the joy of sharing a meal made with love.