Shepherd's lamb soup

Shepherd's lamb soup is a traditional delicacy, full of flavor, that reminds us of moments spent in nature, enveloped by the fresh mountain air. This soup is not just a simple dish, but a true culinary story that combines useful ingredients and cooking techniques passed down from generation to generation. In this recipe, we will explore each step so you can achieve a perfect result, just like at the sheepfold!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 lamb head
- 5 pieces of lamb spine
- lamb intestines (approximately 1 kg)
- 100 g cornmeal
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery
- 1 parsley
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 green onion
- 2 cloves of green garlic
- iodized salt (to taste)
- freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 egg yolks
- 300 ml goat yogurt

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the lamb head and spine pieces well. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a little salt. Boil over medium heat, uncovered, for about 40 minutes. This process will help extract flavors and taste from the meat, providing a consistent base for the soup.

2. Cleaning the intestines: Now, let's take care of the lamb intestines. It is important to wash them well, filling them with cold water and draining them three times. This step helps remove impurities and the specific smell. Once finished, rub the intestines with cornmeal and salt, then boil them in salted boiling water for 15 minutes. After boiling, drain and rinse under cold running water. Chop them finely and set aside.

3. Preparing the vegetables: In a pan, add a little oil and water. Peel and grate the carrot, celery, parsley, and yellow onion. Sauté them lightly until translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. These vegetables will add sweetness and depth to your soup.

4. Combining the ingredients: After the vegetables are sautéed, add the boiled intestines and pieces of boiled meat to the pot with the vegetables. Add water, season with salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously.

5. Finalizing the soup: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the goat yogurt. This combination will give the soup a creamy consistency and a pleasant acidity. When the soup is ready (with the heat off), add the yogurt and yolk mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.

6. Serving: The shepherd's lamb soup is served hot, sprinkled with fresh herbs, and, if desired, a splash of vinegar to intensify the flavors. This is an excellent choice for a festive meal or a family gathering.

Useful tips:
- If you don't have lamb intestines on hand, you can use diced lamb meat, but the texture will be different.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few peppercorns or a dried chili pepper during the soup's boiling.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional benefits: Shepherd's lamb soup is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals due to its varied ingredients. Lamb meat is an excellent source of iron, and the vegetables used provide a significant amount of fiber. Goat yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace lamb meat with another type of meat? Yes, you can use beef or chicken, but the taste will be different.
- Is this recipe suitable for people with lactose intolerance? You can replace goat yogurt with a vegan option or a lactose-free yogurt.
- How can I adjust the spice level? Taste the soup during preparation and adjust the salt and pepper to your preferences.

Serving suggestions: This soup pairs wonderfully with homemade bread or warm polenta. A glass of dry white wine can perfectly complement the meal, bringing a pleasant contrast to the intense flavors of the soup.

Shepherd's lamb soup is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that brings the family together. Share these moments with your loved ones and enjoy every spoonful! Bon appétit!