Sheep farmer's soup

Shepherd's Soup: Traditional Recipe with Unique Flavors

Shepherd's soup is a classic recipe that reminds us of lavish meals and the rich traditions of our grandparents. This soup is not just a food preparation, but a true story about comfort, warmth, and moments spent with family. Today, I will share with you a simple yet flavorful recipe that I learned from our wedding godmother, a master in the art of cooking.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Number of Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients for Shepherd's Soup:

- 1 sheep head (approximately 1.5-2 kg)
- 4 green onions
- 4 green garlic stalks
- 3 carrots
- A bunch of fresh lovage
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- Iodized salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika
- 1 egg (to create the shredded effect)

Preparing Shepherd's Soup:

1. Boiling the Head:
Start by placing the sheep's head in a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Let it boil uncovered for about 1 hour. It's important not to cover the pot to allow the steam to escape and to achieve a more concentrated meat flavor.

2. Straining the Broth:
After the head has boiled, remove it from the pot and strain the broth into another vessel. This will be the base of your soup and will contain all the delicious flavors extracted from the meat.

3. Preparing the Vegetables:
Clean the onions, garlic, and carrots. Chop them finely. Add these vegetables to the strained broth and season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. These ingredients add a unique flavor and a pleasant color to the soup.

4. Boiling the Soup:
Let the soup boil on high heat for 20 minutes. At this stage, the flavors will start to blend, and the vegetables will soften.

5. Preparing the Meat:
In the meantime, clean the meat from the head and cut it into small pieces. Add these pieces to the soup and let it boil for another 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Adding the Greens:
A few minutes before turning off the heat, add the finely chopped lovage and parsley. These fresh herbs will give the soup a vibrant taste and a refreshing aroma.

7. The Shredded Effect:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg vigorously. When all the ingredients in the soup are cooked, turn off the heat and pour the beaten egg into the soup, stirring quickly. This step will create a shredded effect, giving the soup a unique and appetizing texture.

8. Serving:
Serve the soup hot, alongside hot peppers or vinegar, depending on individual preferences. A slice of fresh bread will perfectly complement this traditional dish.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing the Head: Choose a fresh sheep's head with tender meat. This will make a difference in the final taste of the soup.
- Vegetables: If you want to add more flavor, you can also include celery or bell peppers in the recipe.
- Serving: Shepherd's soup is delicious the next day when the flavors have melded even better. You can reheat it for a quick and hearty meal.

Nutritional Benefits:

Shepherd's soup is an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients. Lamb meat contains linoleic acid, which is beneficial for heart health. Additionally, the added vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals, making this dish a nutritious choice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, if you do not have access to a sheep's head, you can use lamb or beef, but the cooking time may vary.

- Can the soup be frozen?
Shepherd's soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without the egg to avoid changing the texture.

- What other side dishes can accompany the soup?
A fresh green salad or polenta are excellent accompaniments for shepherd's soup.

Serving Suggestions:

For a complete culinary experience, serve the shepherd's soup alongside a refreshing drink, such as a dry white wine or a fruit compote. These will balance the rich flavors of the soup and turn the meal into a memorable feast.

Shepherd's soup is not just a dish, but a true pleasure that will bring joy to your tables. Experiment with this traditional recipe and discover how easy it is to create special moments with your loved ones. Start today by preparing this delicious soup and transform every meal into a true feast!