Moldovan Beef Soup

Moldovan Beef Soup Recipe - Hearty and Flavorful Dish from Moldova

Region / culture: Moldova | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Moldovan Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter days. This soup is made with marbled beef on the bone, a variety of vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It is a traditional dish in Moldova and is often served as a main course.

History

Moldovan Beef Soup has been a staple in Moldovan cuisine for generations. It is a dish that is often made during special occasions and family gatherings. The recipe has been passed down from one generation to the next, with each family adding their own twist to the dish.

Ingredients

2 lb/1 kg marbled beef on bone
3 qt/3 liter water
2 julienne carrots
1 julienne parsley root
1 julienne celery root
1 sliced green pepper
2 onions (1 cubed)
0.5 chopped cabbage
1 bay leaf
4 peeled and crushed tomatoes
1 grated beet
parsley
sour cream or yogurt
salt
noodle or dumplings or rice

How to prepare

Bring the beef and cold water to a boil.
Allow the pot to remain uncovered until the liquid starts foaming.
Periodically remove the foam using a slotted spoon until foaming stops.
Add the bay leaf, a small onion, and a pinch of salt.
Cover the pot, leaving a small opening, and let it simmer on low heat for 2 hours or until the meat becomes tender.
Once ready, strain the contents into another pot.
Set aside the cooked meat to cool, then slice it.
Serve the sliced meat with the broth and desired accompaniments.
Alternatively, add vegetables to the strained soup and simmer until they are cooked.
Season with salt and chopped parsley, stirring well. Turn off the heat.
Cover the pot and let it rest for a few minutes.
In a bowl, place a slice of meat, soup with vegetables, and a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt.
Serve warm with country-style bread.

Variations

You can add different vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, peas, or bell peppers.
For a spicier version, you can add some chili peppers or paprika to the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to skim off the foam that forms on the surface of the soup while it is cooking. This will help to remove any impurities and ensure a clear broth.

- For a richer flavor, you can brown the beef before adding it to the pot.

- Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs to the soup to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Moldovan Beef Soup is best served with a slice of country-style bread and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Moldovan Beef Soup is to simmer the beef slowly in the broth until it is tender. This will help to infuse the soup with a rich and meaty flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find marbled beef, you can use regular beef or even pork in this recipe. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Moldovan Beef Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Moldovan Beef Soup in a large bowl with a garnish of chopped parsley on top. You can also serve it with a side of pickles or olives for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Moldovan Beef Soup pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. You can also serve it with a side salad or some pickled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Moldovan Beef Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove until it is heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Moldovan Beef Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Moldovan Beef Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Moldovan Beef Soup contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Moldovan Beef Soup contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Moldovan Beef Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Moldovan Beef Soup contains dairy (yogurt) and may contain gluten (depending on the type of bread served with it).

Summary

Moldovan Beef Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is rich in proteins and vitamins. It is a great option for a hearty meal.

Summary

Moldovan Beef Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great option for a satisfying meal. Enjoy a bowl of Moldovan Beef Soup with your family and friends for a taste of traditional Moldovan cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, with colorful leaves falling gently from the trees outside my kitchen window. I was going through an old box of recipe cards that I had collected over the years, reminiscing about the delicious dishes I had cooked and the wonderful memories that went along with them.

As I sifted through the cards, one caught my eye. It was a tattered, yellowed piece of paper with the words "Moldovan Beef Soup" scrawled across the top in faded ink. I couldn't remember where or when I had acquired this recipe, but something about it intrigued me. I decided to give it a try, trusting my instincts that it would lead me to a culinary adventure.

I gathered the ingredients listed on the card: beef chuck, onions, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, and a few spices that I had never heard of before. The instructions were simple enough, but I could tell that this was no ordinary soup. It required time, patience, and a deep understanding of flavors to truly bring it to life.

I started by browning the beef in a large pot, letting the meat sizzle and release its rich aroma. The onions and carrots followed, adding their own sweetness to the mix. As the vegetables softened and caramelized, I could feel the soup coming together, layer by layer, like a symphony of flavors in perfect harmony.

Next came the spices: paprika, caraway seeds, and a touch of bay leaf. I had never used these ingredients before, but as I added them to the pot, I could sense their magic infusing the soup with warmth and depth. The aroma that wafted from the pot was intoxicating, filling my kitchen with the tantalizing promise of a hearty, soul-warming meal.

I let the soup simmer for hours, allowing the flavors to meld and mingle, transforming the simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. The beef became meltingly tender, the vegetables softened to perfection, and the broth turned a rich, golden hue that spoke of hours of slow cooking and care.

Finally, it was time to taste the fruits of my labor. I ladled a steaming bowl of Moldovan Beef Soup into a deep, ceramic bowl and took a hesitant sip. The flavors exploded on my tongue, a burst of savory meat, sweet vegetables, and fragrant spices that danced together in perfect harmony. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a symphony of flavors that spoke of a far-off land and a centuries-old tradition.

As I savored each spoonful, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. This recipe, with its mysterious origins and exotic ingredients, had taken me on a culinary journey that I would never forget. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our roots, and to the people and places that had shaped us along the way.

And so, I added Moldovan Beef Soup to my repertoire of recipes, a cherished gem that I would pass down to future generations, along with the stories and memories that went along with it. For in the end, food is not just about sustenance or nourishment—it is about love, tradition, and the endless possibilities that come from a simple, humble bowl of soup.