Sarajevo Soup

Sarajevo Soup Recipe - Authentic Bosnian Cuisine

Region / culture: Bosnia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sarajevo Soup is a traditional Bosnian dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is made with tender veal, fresh okra, and a creamy sour cream base that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Sarajevo Soup has been a staple in Bosnian cuisine for centuries. It is a dish that is often enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings. The combination of veal, okra, and sour cream creates a unique and delicious flavor that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

300 g veal
50 g fresh okra
30 g butter or margarine
200 ml sour cream
30 g flour
80 g mixture of carrots
parsley
onion
2 yolks
salt
pepper
100 g lemon

How to prepare

Cut the veal into cubes.
In a frying pan, heat butter or margarine and add the meat and vegetables.
Cook on medium heat until the meat and vegetables soften slightly, then add flour.
Transfer the mixture to a pot and add water, okra, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
In a separate bowl, mix together yolks and sour cream. Add this mixture to the boiling soup.
Avoid boiling the soup any further.
Serve the soup with a squeeze of lemon for added aroma.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the veal with mushrooms or tofu.
Add in other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the veal into small cubes to ensure that it cooks evenly.

- Cooking the meat and vegetables in butter or margarine adds a rich flavor to the soup.

- Adding the flour to the mixture helps to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.

- Be careful not to overcook the soup once you add the sour cream and yolks, as this can cause the soup to curdle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sarajevo Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the veal and vegetables until they are slightly softened before adding the flour and water.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or beef instead of veal in this recipe.

- If you don't have okra, you can use green beans as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup up to a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sarajevo Soup pairs well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and eggs (yolks).

Summary

Sarajevo Soup is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sarajevo Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, during a visit to my dear friend Amira in Sarajevo. Amira was a wonderful cook, and she welcomed me into her home with open arms and a warm heart.

As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of spices and herbs wafting from her kitchen. Amira was bustling about, chopping vegetables and stirring pots on the stove. She motioned for me to come closer and handed me a spoonful of her latest creation - a hearty and delicious soup that I had never tasted before.

"This is Sarajevo Soup," she said with a smile. "It's a traditional dish from my hometown, made with love and passed down through generations. I thought you might enjoy it."

I eagerly took a taste of the soup, savoring the rich flavors and comforting warmth that filled my mouth. It was unlike anything I had ever tried before, a perfect blend of tender vegetables, savory broth, and fragrant spices. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Amira was more than happy to share her recipe with me, guiding me through each step with patience and care. She explained the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors develop fully. She showed me how to chop the vegetables just right, how to season the broth to perfection, and how to simmer everything together until it reached a harmonious balance.

I took notes diligently, jotting down every detail and asking questions whenever I needed clarification. Amira's love for cooking was infectious, and I felt myself becoming more and more passionate about the art of creating delicious meals from scratch.

After spending a lovely afternoon in Amira's kitchen, I bid her farewell with a promise to recreate her Sarajevo Soup in my own home. As soon as I returned, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work, following her instructions to the letter.

The process was a labor of love, as I chopped, stirred, and simmered with care. The familiar scents of onions, garlic, and herbs filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that cozy afternoon in Sarajevo. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as the soup came together, its flavors mingling in perfect harmony just as Amira had taught me.

When I finally ladled out a steaming bowl of Sarajevo Soup and took a taste, I knew that I had done justice to Amira's recipe. The soup was just as delicious as I remembered, warming me from the inside out and filling me with a sense of contentment.

From that day on, Sarajevo Soup became a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that I would make time and time again for family and friends. Each time I prepared it, I thought of Amira and the special bond we shared over a shared love of food and tradition.

As the years passed, I continued to refine my recipe for Sarajevo Soup, adding my own personal touches and variations. I shared it with my children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of this beloved dish from one generation to the next.

Now, whenever I make Sarajevo Soup, I am reminded of that fateful day in Amira's kitchen and the joy of discovering a new recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary journey. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time will always bring a smile to my face, a reminder of the power of food to connect us across cultures and generations.