Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini

Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini Recipe from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini is a traditional Romanian dish that combines the tangy flavors of borş (fermented wheat bran) with the savory goodness of beef and stuffed zucchini. This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Romania, where sour soups are a popular and beloved dish. The combination of sour flavors from the borş and the richness of the beef and stuffed zucchini create a unique and delicious taste that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 lb / 500 g beef
2 qt / 2 liters water
1 tbsp rice
1 carrot
1 parsley root
2 onions
1 tbsp lard
3 young zucchini
1 celery root
1 tbsp mixed chopped parsley and dill
salt
pepper
0.5 qt / 0.5 liter borş to taste
0.5 cup sour cream

How to prepare

Bring beef bones, finely chopped parsley root, carrot, celery root, and 1 onion to a boil.
Meanwhile, remove the peel from the zucchini, cut them lengthwise, scoop out the insides, and fill them with a mixture of ground beef, fried onion, rice, salt, pepper, and chopped greens.
Once the vegetables and bones are well boiled, strain the liquid and bring it to a boil again with the stuffed zucchini and separately boiled and strained borş.
Add salt and simmer until the zucchini are tender.
Stir in the chopped greens and serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Variations

Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add chopped tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the peel from the zucchini before stuffing them to ensure a tender texture.

- Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

- Serve the soup hot with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini hot with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the beef bones and vegetables to create a flavorful broth.

- Stuff the zucchini with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings for a hearty filling.

- Simmer the soup until the zucchini are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute quinoa or barley for the rice for a different texture.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter topping.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the soup and stuffed zucchini ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini in individual bowls garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped dill for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini with a crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and wheat (borş), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or wheat allergies.

Summary

Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sour Soup with Stuffed Zucchini is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the tangy flavors of borş with the savory goodness of beef and stuffed zucchini. This traditional Romanian recipe is perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a sunny day in the early summer, and I was visiting my friend Sarah in her quaint little village. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the enticing aroma of sour soup with stuffed zucchini filled the air.

Sarah greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, then led me over to the stove where a large pot of soup was simmering. She explained that this was a family recipe that had been passed down through the generations, and she was eager to share it with me.

As we chatted and caught up on each other's lives, Sarah demonstrated how to make the soup. She started by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot until they were fragrant and golden brown. Then, she added in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a generous amount of paprika and dill. The flavors mingled together beautifully, creating a rich and aromatic base for the soup.

Next, Sarah showed me how to prepare the zucchini for stuffing. She carefully hollowed out the centers of the zucchinis, leaving just enough flesh to hold the filling. Then, she mixed together a delicious mixture of ground beef, rice, herbs, and spices to stuff inside the zucchinis. The combination of savory meat and tender zucchini was absolutely mouthwatering.

Once the zucchinis were stuffed, Sarah gently placed them into the simmering soup to cook. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

After letting the soup simmer for a while, Sarah ladled it into bowls and we sat down to enjoy our meal. The first spoonful of soup was like a burst of flavor in my mouth – tangy, savory, and oh so satisfying. The tender zucchinis were the perfect complement to the rich broth, creating a dish that was both comforting and delicious.

As I savored each bite, Sarah told me the story of how she had learned to make this soup from her grandmother. She explained that her grandmother had grown up in a small village in Eastern Europe, where sour soup with stuffed zucchini was a traditional dish enjoyed by many families.

Sarah's grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl, and she had cherished the memories of cooking this dish together with her beloved grandmother. Now, Sarah was passing down the recipe to me, her dear friend, so that I could share in the tradition as well.

I felt honored and grateful to learn this recipe from Sarah, and I knew that it would become a treasured dish in my own repertoire. The flavors of the soup reminded me of warm summer days and cozy family gatherings, and I couldn't wait to recreate this dish for my own loved ones.

As I finished my bowl of soup, I thanked Sarah for sharing her family recipe with me. She smiled warmly and told me that she was happy to pass on the tradition to someone who would appreciate it as much as she did.

And so, that sunny day in Sarah's kitchen became a memory that I would always hold dear. The aroma of sour soup with stuffed zucchini lingered in my mind, a reminder of the joy of cooking and the beauty of sharing recipes with loved ones. I couldn't wait to recreate this dish in my own kitchen, and to pass on the tradition to future generations.