Tripe soup

Tripe soup is a classic dish, cherished by many for its unmistakable taste and unique texture. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also transport you back in time, reminding you of family meals where the aroma of steaming soup brought everyone together around the table. Get ready to discover the secrets of a perfect tripe soup, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Necessary ingredients:

1. 1.2 kg of beef tripe (fresh or pre-cooked)
2. 1 carrot
3. 1 parsnip (or celery)
4. 1 onion
5. 6-7 cloves of garlic (or to taste)
6. 3 egg yolks
7. 200 ml sour cream
8. 250 ml yogurt
9. Salt, pepper, and thyme (to taste)
10. A few peppercorns
11. 1 bay leaf
12. 1-2 tablespoons of oil (for shine)
13. 2-2.5 liters of water for boiling

Preparing the tripe:

If you chose fresh tripe, the cleaning process is essential for a delicious dish. Start by washing it well under cold running water, removing fat and membranes. An effective trick is to use cornmeal mixed with coarse salt, rubbing the tripe to improve its appearance. Then, soak it in cold water with a few slices of onion and a tablespoon of vinegar for 15-20 minutes. This step will help eliminate the specific odor. After this interval, rinse the tripe with warm water, changing the water 2-3 times.

If you opt for unboiled tripe from the supermarket, the process is similar. Rinse it well and soak it for 10 minutes in cold water with salt, vinegar, and onion, then rinse it again.

If you purchased pre-cooked tripe, it is important to rinse it very well and be careful not to boil it too much to avoid it falling apart.

Boiling the tripe:

I recommend using a pressure cooker, as it will significantly reduce the cooking time. Place the cleaned tripe in the pot and add the carrot, parsnip, onion, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Cover with water (about 2-2.5 liters) and simmer on low heat for 1.5-2 hours, starting to time from the moment steam begins to escape.

If you prefer to use a regular pot, add the vegetables to boil after about an hour and a half, allowing everything to simmer until the tripe and vegetables are cooked.

Preparing the dressing:

While the tripe is boiling, peel the garlic and crush it well, mixing it with salt and apple cider vinegar. This will add an extra layer of flavor to your soup.

Separately, beat the egg yolks and gently mix them with sour cream and yogurt, ensuring a smooth composition. This dressing will give the soup a creamy texture and a delicious taste.

Assembling the soup:

When the tripe is cooked, remove it along with the vegetables from the pot and strain the broth. Cut the tripe into thin strips and add it to the soup. Personally, I like to add the remaining sliced pickled pepper and mashed boiled carrot for an extra splash of color and consistency. Adjust the salt and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Once the soup is ready, remove the pot from the heat and incorporate the dressing of egg yolks, sour cream, and yogurt, stirring continuously. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil for extra shine. If you notice that the soup is too thick, you can add a little boiled water to achieve the desired consistency.

Serving:

When serving, add to the plate, to taste, the garlic and apple cider vinegar mixture, and the hot pepper will add a hint of spice. Enjoy your meal!

Suggestions for variations and combinations:

This tripe soup recipe can also be adapted by adding other ingredients such as veal or seasonal vegetables. For a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add fresh hot peppers or chili flakes to the garlic dressing.

2. How long does tripe soup last?
The soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the flavor gets even better the next day.

3. Can tripe soup be frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze the soup, as the tripe may lose its texture.

Nutritional benefits:

Tripe soup is rich in protein, having a high collagen content, which makes it beneficial for skin and joint health. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.

So, prepare your ingredients and enjoy a delicious tripe soup that will not only satisfy but also warm your soul!