Vampova Juha

Vampova Juha Recipe - Traditional Slovenian Tripe Soup

Region / culture: Slovenia | Servings: 4

Introduction

Vampova Juha is a traditional Croatian dish that features cooked tripe in a flavorful broth. This hearty soup is perfect for a cold winter day or as a comforting meal any time of year.

History

Vampova Juha has been a popular dish in Croatia for generations. It is often served at family gatherings and special occasions, as well as in restaurants throughout the country.

Ingredients

50 g cooked tripe
2 tbsp fat
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp parsley
2 tbsp flour
2 cups water or soup stock
small lemon rind
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Cut the tripe into fine strips.
Melt the fat in a pan and add the chopped onions and minced garlic.
Cook for a few minutes.
Add the flour and lightly brown it.
Add water or soup stock.
Once it comes to a boil, add the tripe, seasoning, lemon rind, and parsley.
Simmer for 10 minutes.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra vegetables in the soup.
Use chicken or beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the tripe into fine strips for the best texture in the soup.

- Browning the flour before adding the liquid will help to thicken the broth and add a rich flavor.

- Simmering the soup for at least 10 minutes will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious final dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vampova Juha with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup allows the flavors to develop and the tripe to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil instead of fat for a lighter version of the soup.

- Substitute chicken or beef tripe for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Vampova Juha can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

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

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Vampova Juha with a glass of red wine or a light beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten and may contain dairy if using butter or cream.

Summary

Vampova Juha is a nutritious and satisfying soup that is high in protein and low in calories.

Summary

Vampova Juha is a classic Croatian soup that is both delicious and nutritious. With a few simple ingredients and some time on the stove, you can enjoy this comforting dish at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Vampova Juha. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Vera in her quaint little cottage nestled in the Slovenian countryside. Vera was known for her delicious homemade soups, and I always looked forward to trying out her latest creations.

As soon as I stepped inside her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of simmering herbs and spices. Vera was busy chopping fresh vegetables and stirring a large pot on the stove. "Ah, Ljubica, you've come just in time! I am making a special soup today that I learned from my grandmother. It's called Vampova Juha," she said with a smile.

Intrigued by the name and the delicious smell wafting through the kitchen, I eagerly offered to help her prepare the soup. Vera handed me a sharp knife and a cutting board, and together we chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes with precision. She then showed me how to prepare the broth, which consisted of homemade chicken stock infused with garlic, bay leaves, and a touch of paprika.

As the soup simmered on the stove, Vera regaled me with the story of how she learned to make Vampova Juha from her grandmother, who was a renowned cook in the village. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own unique twist to the dish.

According to Vera, Vampova Juha was traditionally served during harvest festivals and other celebratory occasions. It was believed to have magical properties that would ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to those who partook of it. The soup was also said to have healing properties, capable of curing even the most stubborn cold or flu.

As we sat down to enjoy our steaming bowls of Vampova Juha, I marveled at the rich flavors and comforting warmth of the soup. The combination of tender vegetables, flavorful broth, and aromatic herbs was truly a feast for the senses. I could understand why this dish had been cherished by generations of Slovenian cooks.

After finishing our meal, Vera handed me a worn piece of paper with the handwritten recipe for Vampova Juha. She urged me to try making it at home and to share it with my own family and friends. I promised her that I would, and I tucked the precious recipe into my apron pocket before saying my goodbyes.

Back in my own kitchen, I carefully followed Vera's instructions, chopping vegetables, simmering the broth, and letting the soup develop its rich flavors. As the aroma of Vampova Juha filled my home, I felt a sense of connection to my friend and her grandmother, as well as to the long line of cooks who had lovingly prepared this dish over the years.

When I finally sat down to enjoy a bowl of Vampova Juha with my family, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction. Not only had I learned a delicious new recipe, but I had also become a part of a culinary tradition that spanned generations. I knew that this soup would become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the warmth and friendship that Vera had shared with me that day.

As I savored each spoonful of Vampova Juha, I thought about the power of food to connect us to our past, to nourish our bodies and souls, and to bring us together in joy and celebration. I realized that recipes, like stories, have the power to transcend time and space, linking us to the people and places that have shaped us.

And so, whenever I make Vampova Juha now, I think of Vera and her grandmother, of the Slovenian countryside and the magic of shared meals. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, and for the memories and traditions that it carries with it. And I know that as long as I keep cooking and sharing this soup with others, I will be honoring the legacy of those who came before me, passing on a little piece of magic and love with each steaming bowl.