Transylvanian sweet cabbage soup with ribs

Transylvanian Sweet Cabbage Soup with Smoked Ribs - Traditional Recipe

Transylvanian sweet cabbage soup with smoked ribs is a delicacy that combines tradition with the authentic flavor of fresh ingredients. This recipe, also known as "Lucskos", is a true feast for soup lovers and will surely become one of your favorites. Ideal for lunch, this soup is not only nourishing but also comforting, perfect for chilly days.

Nutritional Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories per serving: approximately 350-400 kcal

Necessary Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet cabbage
- 1 large carrot
- 1 green onion
- 250 g smoked ribs
- 2 tablespoons pepper paste
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- Salt to taste
- Hot pepper (optional, for serving)
- 1 liter of water (for boiling the ribs)
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil (for sautéing)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling the carrot and onion. Cut the carrot into thin slices and the green onion into rounds. This will add a note of freshness and flavor to your soup.

2. Chopping the cabbage:
The sweet cabbage should be chopped finely into pieces of about 1-1.5 cm. Make sure they are not too large, so they cook evenly and incorporate easily into the soup.

3. Boiling the ribs:
Cut the smoked ribs into pieces and boil them in one liter of water. Let it simmer for 30 minutes. This step is essential to extract the smoky flavors from the ribs, which will give the soup a unique taste.

4. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the two tablespoons of oil. Add the carrot and green onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly translucent. This process will intensify the flavors and provide a base for the soup.

5. Adding the ingredients:
After the carrot and onion are ready, add water (about 1.5 liters) to the pot, along with the pepper paste, chopped cabbage, salt, and boiled ribs (don’t forget to keep the water used for boiling the ribs!). Mix everything well and let it boil.

6. Boiling the soup:
Let the soup simmer on medium heat, covered, for 30-40 minutes until the cabbage is soft and the flavors have combined. You can taste and adjust the salt if necessary.

7. Adding sourness to the soup:
Finally, to achieve that specific note, sour the soup with the juice from pickled hot peppers. This addition will bring extra character and make the soup more interesting.

8. Serving:
The soup is served hot, topped with a spoonful of sour cream and sprinkled with freshly chopped dill. Don’t forget the hot pepper, which can be served on the side for those who prefer a spicier taste.

Useful Tips:
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or potatoes, to enrich the soup. Additionally, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the ribs with mushrooms or smoked tofu.
- Balanced flavors: Play with the amount of hot pepper juice according to your preferences. The soup can be sour or less sour, depending on how much you add.
- Serving: Transylvanian soup is perfect alongside a slice of fresh bread to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Short History:
Cabbage soup has deep roots in culinary culture, representing a symbol of comfort and family warmth. Over time, each family has contributed unique touches to the recipe, personalizing it according to local traditions and available ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long can the soup be kept?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen; however, it is recommended not to add sour cream before freezing, but to add it when serving.
- Can I use pickled cabbage?
Sure, the soup will have a different, more sour taste, but it will be just as delicious.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! I wish you a good appetite and a meal full of joy with your loved ones!