Sour Soup with Mutton I

Sour Soup with Mutton I Recipe - Authentic Romanian Recipe

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

Introduction

Sour Soup with Mutton I is a traditional Romanian dish that is hearty and flavorful. This soup is perfect for cold winter days or when you are craving a comforting meal. The combination of tender mutton, tangy borş, and fresh vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Sour Soup with Mutton has been a staple in Romanian cuisine for centuries. It is a dish that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. The sourness of the borş, which is a fermented wheat bran liquid, adds a tangy flavor to the soup that is both refreshing and comforting.

Ingredients

1.75 lb / 750 g mutton
1 qt / 1 liter water
0.5 qt / 0.5 liter borş
1 onion
1 carrot
1 parsley root
1 green pepper
5 – 6 tomatoes
2 tbsp rice
lovage
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 at low temperature until the vegetables and meat become tender.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the vegetables from the pot.
To the soup, add julienned green pepper, peeled and seeded chopped tomatoes, rice, and boiled borş.
Once the rice is cooked, add chopped lovage to the soup.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as potatoes, celery, or mushrooms to the soup for added flavor and texture.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the mutton with tofu or seitan.

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 ensure that your soup is clear and free of impurities.

- Cutting the meat into smaller pieces will help it to cook faster and more evenly.

- Adding lovage to the soup at the end will give it a fresh and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sour Soup with Mutton hot, garnished with fresh lovage and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Simmering

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find borş, you can substitute it with lemon juice or vinegar mixed with water.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The flavors will develop even more if you let it sit overnight.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sour Soup with Mutton in a rustic bowl, garnished with a sprig of fresh lovage. You can also drizzle some olive oil on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Sour Soup with Mutton with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Calories per serving: 250

Carbohydrates

- Rice: 2 tbsp

- Borş: 0.5 qt

- Tomatoes: 5-6

- Green pepper: 1

- Onion: 1

- Carrot: 1

- Parsley root: 1

Fats

- Mutton: 1.75 lb

Proteins

- Mutton: 1.75 lb

Vitamins and minerals

Tomatoes: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium

- Carrot: Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Potassium

- Parsley root: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate

- Green pepper: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium

Alergens

None

Summary

Sour Soup with Mutton is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Potassium, making it a healthy choice for a hearty meal.

Summary

Sour Soup with Mutton I is a traditional Romanian dish that is hearty, flavorful, and nutritious. This soup is perfect for cold winter days or when you are craving a comforting meal. With its tender mutton, tangy borş, and fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread and a dollop of sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Sour Soup with Mutton. It was a chilly winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mrs. Johnson. As soon as I stepped into her cozy kitchen, I was enveloped in the warm, comforting aroma of something delicious simmering on the stove.

Mrs. Johnson greeted me with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. "You're just in time for lunch," she said. "I'm making my famous Sour Soup with Mutton. Would you like to join me?"

I eagerly accepted her invitation and settled in at the kitchen table as Mrs. Johnson bustled about, adding ingredients to a large pot on the stove. I watched with fascination as she expertly chopped vegetables, seared chunks of tender mutton, and stirred in a fragrant blend of spices.

As the soup simmered away, Mrs. Johnson regaled me with the story of how she had learned to make this dish. She had grown up in a small village in Eastern Europe, where hearty soups were a staple of every meal. Her mother had taught her the basics of cooking, but it was her grandmother who had passed down the secret recipe for Sour Soup with Mutton.

According to Mrs. Johnson, the key to the soup's signature tangy flavor was the addition of fresh lemon juice and vinegar. She explained that the acidity of the citrus fruits helped to tenderize the mutton and cut through the richness of the broth, creating a perfectly balanced dish that was both hearty and refreshing.

As the soup finished cooking, Mrs. Johnson ladled generous portions into bowls and garnished them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill. I eagerly took my first spoonful and was immediately transported back to the flavors of my own childhood.

The tangy broth was rich and savory, with tender chunks of mutton melting in my mouth. The vegetables added a pop of color and crunch, while the sour cream added a creamy richness that tied everything together perfectly. It was a symphony of flavors and textures that left me craving more.

After lunch, Mrs. Johnson graciously shared her recipe with me, along with a few tips and tricks she had learned over the years. She emphasized the importance of using high-quality ingredients, taking the time to properly sear the mutton, and adjusting the acidity of the soup to suit your own personal taste.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I returned home and set to work recreating Mrs. Johnson's Sour Soup with Mutton in my own kitchen. I followed her recipe to the letter, savoring every moment as I chopped, seared, and simmered my way to a steaming pot of deliciousness.

When the soup was finally ready, I sat down at the table with my family and watched as their eyes lit up with anticipation. I ladled generous portions into bowls, just as Mrs. Johnson had done, and garnished them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

As we dug into the soup, I held my breath, waiting for their verdict. And then, the first spoonful was met with a chorus of approval. The tangy broth, the tender mutton, the crunch of the vegetables - it was a hit.

From that day on, Sour Soup with Mutton became a regular feature on our dinner table. I would often think back to that chilly winter day at Mrs. Johnson's kitchen, where I had learned the secret to making this delicious dish.

And so, with every bite of sour soup, I am reminded of the power of sharing recipes and stories with loved ones. It is a tradition that has been passed down through generations, from grandmother to granddaughter, and will continue to be cherished for years to come.