Transylvanian Luscos

To prepare a delicious rib soup with vegetables, start by removing the ribs and cutting the lean meat into suitable cubes. Place the meat in a large pot, add sprigs of dried thyme, and cover with water. Put the pot on medium heat and let it boil. During the process, a foam will appear on the surface, which you need to remove with a skimmer to achieve a clear and tasty soup.

While the meat is boiling, prepare the vegetables. Peel the onion, wash it well, and chop it finely. Peel the carrot, wash it, and cut it into small cubes. Remove the core and seeds from the bell pepper, wash it, and chop it finely. The cabbage, an essential ingredient to give the soup a distinct flavor, should be rinsed with a little water to freshen it up, then chopped as finely as possible. Finally, wash the dill and chop it, keeping only half of it to add at the end to the soup.

After the meat has started to boil and the foam has been removed, add all the chopped vegetables to the pot. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat until the meat becomes tender and the vegetables are well cooked, releasing their aroma.

Meanwhile, prepare the tomatoes. Wash them and remove the core. To peel them more easily, place them in hot water for a few minutes, then take them out and quickly peel them. Cut the tomatoes into cubes and add them to the soup, letting them boil for about 5 minutes.

Once the tomatoes are integrated into the soup, add the tomato paste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the remaining dill and a small amount of dried thyme for extra flavor. Let the soup boil for a few more minutes, then turn off the heat.

This soup is served hot, making it ideal for any meal, especially on cool days. It can be accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or polenta, and its rich aroma will surely delight all family members. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the authentic taste of the dish!