Greek-style veal soup

Greek-style veal soup is a delicious recipe, full of flavor, that combines fresh ingredients with traditional Romanian aromas. This soup is perfect for cool days and offers a hearty and comforting meal. In this guide, I will accompany you step by step in preparing this soup, so you can achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 500 g veal (shoulder or leg are the most suitable)
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for an extra splash of color)
- 1 parsnip
- 1 small celery
- 1/2 cup rice (for a pleasant texture)
- 2 egg yolks
- 200 g sour cream (preferably high-fat for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sunflower oil or olive oil
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill) for garnish

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the vegetables into small cubes. The onion, carrots, bell pepper, parsnip, and celery should be cut so that they cook evenly. This will help achieve a soup with a pleasant texture and an attractive presentation.

2. Preparing the meat: Rinse the veal well under cold running water and cut it into pieces about 3-4 cm. Place the meat in a large pot with cold water and add a little salt. Boil the meat over medium heat, removing the foam that forms on the surface. This will help achieve a clear and aromatic soup.

3. Cooking the rice: In a separate pot, add water and a little salt, then bring the rice to a boil. The rice should be cooked al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid in the soup. After it is cooked, drain it and set it aside.

4. Sautéing the vegetables: In another pot, add a little oil and sauté the chopped vegetables over medium heat. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft and release their aromas. This step is essential to intensify the flavor of the soup.

5. Combining the ingredients: When the meat is cooked about 75%, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the meat. Allow everything to simmer for 15-20 minutes until the meat becomes tender and the vegetables are well cooked.

6. Preparing the egg and sour cream mixture: In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sour cream. Gradually add a ladle of hot soup to the mixture, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. Then, pour this mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring gently.

7. Finalizing the soup: Add the cooked rice to the soup, mix, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes for the flavors to meld well.

8. Serving: Finally, add the chopped fresh herbs for an extra touch of freshness and color. You can serve the Greek-style veal soup with a slice of lemon on the side, which will add a note of acidity and enhance the flavors.

Suggestions and variations: If you want a lighter version, you can replace the veal with chicken or add additional vegetables such as zucchini or green beans. Also, for an even richer flavor, you can add a few spices, such as a bay leaf or a teaspoon of peppercorns.

This Greek-style veal soup is not only a simple recipe but also a true feast for the senses. With every spoonful, you will feel the joy and culinary tradition of Romania!