Sour Soup with Mutton

Hearty Sour Soup with Mutton Recipe from Moldova

Region / culture: Moldova | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sour Soup with Mutton is a traditional Eastern European dish that is hearty and flavorful. This soup is perfect for cold winter days, as it warms you up from the inside out. The combination of tender mutton, tangy borsh, and fresh vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Sour Soup with Mutton has been a staple in Eastern European cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Poland and Ukraine, where it was traditionally made with locally sourced ingredients. The sour flavor in the soup comes from the borsh, a fermented beetroot juice that adds a unique tanginess to the dish.

Ingredients

1.75 lb / 750 g mutton
1 qt / 1 liter water
0.5 qt / 0.5 liter borsh
1 onion
1 carrot
1 parsley root
1 green pepper
2 tomatoes
2 tbsp rice
chopped lovage
chopped parsley
salt

How to prepare

Cut the meat into pieces and place it in a pot to boil.
Remove any foam that forms on the surface.
Add salt, quartered onion, carrot, and parsley root to the pot. Cover and let it boil over low heat until the vegetables and meat become tender.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the vegetables from the pot.
To the soup, add julienne green pepper, peeled and seeded chopped tomatoes, boiled rice, and boiled borsh.
Once the rice is cooked, add chopped lovage and parsley.

Variations

You can substitute the mutton with beef or pork for a different flavor.
Add more vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, or mushrooms for a heartier soup.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables or tofu.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove any foam that forms on the surface of the soup while it is boiling. This will help to create a clear and flavorful broth.

- For a richer flavor, you can brown the mutton pieces before adding them to the pot.

- Adjust the amount of salt to taste, as the borsh can vary in saltiness.

- For a thicker soup, you can add more rice or vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Sour Soup with Mutton is best served hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Sour Soup with Mutton is to simmer the meat and vegetables slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find borsh, you can substitute it with a mixture of beetroot juice and vinegar. You can also use beef or vegetable broth as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Sour Soup with Mutton 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

Serve Sour Soup with Mutton in a large soup bowl, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Sour Soup with Mutton pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also serve it with a side of pickles or sauerkraut for a traditional Eastern European meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Sour Soup with Mutton in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to thin out the soup.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sour Soup with Mutton contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sour Soup with Mutton contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sour Soup with Mutton contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sour Soup with Mutton contains approximately 25g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sour Soup with Mutton is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies to the ingredients used.

Summary

Sour Soup with Mutton is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Sour Soup with Mutton is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for cold winter days. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Sour Soup with Mutton. It was handed down to me by my grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. The ingredients were simple yet intriguing - mutton, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a special blend of spices that gave the soup its unique flavor.

I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking, and I jumped at the chance to learn this new recipe. My grandmother patiently guided me through each step, from cutting the mutton into bite-sized pieces to simmering the broth for hours on end. As the aroma of the soup filled the kitchen, I could feel a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me.

The secret to the soup, my grandmother explained, lay in the balance of flavors. The tangy sourness of the tamarind paste combined with the richness of the mutton created a symphony of tastes that danced on the palate. It was a dish that warmed the soul and comforted the heart, perfect for cold winter nights or rainy days.

I remember the first time I made the Sour Soup with Mutton for my family. As they sat around the dining table, eagerly awaiting their first bite, I felt a sense of nervous excitement. Would they enjoy it as much as I did? Would they appreciate the effort and love that went into each spoonful?

To my delight, the soup was a hit. My family raved about the flavors, the tenderness of the mutton, and the warmth of the broth. They couldn't believe that I had made such a delicious dish, and I basked in the glow of their praise.

As the years passed, the Sour Soup with Mutton became a staple in our household. It was a dish that we turned to for comfort and nourishment, for celebrations and sorrow. It was a reminder of the bond between generations, of the love and care that went into each meal we shared.

I often think back to that day when I first learned the recipe for Sour Soup with Mutton. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, a moment of discovery that sparked a passion for cooking that has stayed with me ever since. I am grateful to my grandmother for passing down this recipe to me, for sharing her knowledge and love of food with a wide-eyed young girl who was eager to learn.

As I sit here now, preparing a pot of Sour Soup with Mutton for my own grandchildren, I can't help but smile. The cycle continues, the tradition lives on. And as they take their first spoonfuls of the soup, I hope that they too feel the sense of wonder and joy that I did all those years ago. For cooking is more than just a skill - it is a way to connect with our past, to nourish our bodies and souls, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.