Sour Soup with Green Beans I

Sour Soup with Green Beans I Recipe from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sour Soup with Green Beans is a traditional Romanian dish that is both flavorful and refreshing. This soup is perfect for a light and healthy meal, especially during the warmer months.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Romania, where sour soups are a popular and beloved dish. The combination of fresh green beans, tomatoes, and a touch of sourness from borş creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

1 qt / 2 liters water
0.5 qt / 0.5 liter borş
10 oz / 300 g green beans
1 small carrot
1 onion
1 small parsley root
4 tomatoes
1 green pepper
1 tbsp oil
0.5 tsp flour
chopped parsley and dill
salt

How to prepare

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add finely chopped carrot, parsley root, and onion.
Add the beans, cut into pieces.
Once it starts boiling, let it cook for a few minutes, then add the pepper and sliced tomatoes (peeled and seeded).
In a separate pan, fry the flour in oil. Gradually add some vegetable liquid to the flour mixture, stirring continuously.
Pour the flour mixture into the soup, stirring well.
Continue boiling until the beans are tender.
Add borş, chopped parsley, and dill. Let it boil for a few more minutes.
This soup can also be served cold.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or beef for a heartier version of this soup.
Substitute other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly and release their flavors into the soup.

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

- Adjust the amount of borş to your taste preference - some prefer a more sour soup, while others prefer a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sour Soup with Green Beans hot, garnished with fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the vegetables in salted water helps to infuse the soup with flavor.

- Frying the flour in oil before adding it to the soup helps to thicken the broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find borş, you can substitute with lemon juice or vinegar for a similar sour flavor.

- Feel free to use any type of beans or vegetables you have on hand in this soup.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sour Soup with Green Beans in a bowl, garnished with a sprig of fresh dill for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sour Soup with Green Beans contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sour Soup with Green Beans contains approximately 25g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sour Soup with Green Beans contains approximately 5g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sour Soup with Green Beans contains approximately 3g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and green beans, as well as potassium and fiber from the vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, be sure to check the ingredients for any specific allergens that may affect you.

Summary

Sour Soup with Green Beans is a nutritious and low-calorie dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables.

Summary

Sour Soup with Green Beans is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and a touch of sourness, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Sour Soup with Green Beans. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my aunt in the countryside. She was known for her delicious soups, and I was always eager to learn new recipes from her.

As I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of simmering broth filled the air. I could see my aunt standing over a pot, stirring in some green beans and other vegetables. Curious, I asked her what she was making, and she replied with a smile, "Sour Soup with Green Beans, a family favorite."

Intrigued, I watched as she added in some tamarind paste, lemongrass, and a touch of fish sauce. The flavors mingled together beautifully, creating a tangy and savory broth that made my mouth water. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this soup.

My aunt graciously shared the recipe with me, explaining each step in detail. She told me how she had learned to make it from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

I eagerly took notes, jotting down the ingredients and measurements as my aunt spoke. I asked questions about the process, wanting to fully understand how to recreate the flavors that I had tasted in her kitchen. She patiently answered each one, guiding me through the steps with care and precision.

After a few hours of cooking and simmering, the Sour Soup with Green Beans was finally ready. I ladled myself a bowl and took a sip, savoring the familiar tangy taste that I had come to love. It was just as delicious as I remembered, a perfect balance of sour, salty, and savory flavors.

From that day on, I made it a point to perfect the recipe for Sour Soup with Green Beans. I experimented with different ingredients and techniques, tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I added in extra vegetables, adjusted the seasonings, and even tried using different types of beans to see how they would affect the flavor.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for seconds. It became a staple in my own kitchen, a comforting and nourishing dish that never failed to warm me from the inside out.

As I grew older, I realized that this recipe was more than just a dish to be enjoyed. It was a connection to my past, a way to honor the generations of cooks who had come before me. It was a reminder of the love and care that went into each bowl, a testament to the power of food to bring people together.

Now, whenever I make Sour Soup with Green Beans, I think of my aunt and the day she shared the recipe with me. I remember the taste of that first bowl, the warmth of her kitchen, and the joy of learning something new. And I am grateful for the gift of cooking, a gift that allows me to carry on the traditions of my family and share them with others.