Tripe soup

Today, I invite you to explore together a recipe that has won the hearts of many over time and which, without a doubt, will endure in the Romanian culinary portfolio: tripe soup. It is a delicacy that evokes childhood memories and, with each spoonful, brings us a touch of comfort and nostalgia. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 1-2 kg of beef or veal tripe
- 1 large beef bone with meat
- 500 g of smoked beef bones
- 1 tablespoon of mixed pepper
- Optional: a few bay leaves
- 5 carrots
- 1/2 celery
- 2 onions
- 2 parsnips
- 1 head of garlic
- 8-10 egg yolks
- 75-80 ml of olive oil
- 350 g of regular sour cream
- 150 g of cooking cream
- Salt
- White pepper
- Quality vinegar (to taste)

The Whole Story of Tripe Soup

Tripe soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is a culinary tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. This soup is known for its rich flavor and unique texture, having the power to transform an ordinary meal into a feast. It is often served on special occasions, but also on chilly days when we want to enjoy the comfort of a warm and comforting dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Tripe Soup

1. Preparing the tripe
- Start by placing the tripe in a large pot of water, adding 2 teaspoons of baking soda. The baking soda helps clean the tripe and gives it a softer texture. Leave the tripe in the fridge for 2-3 hours.
- After this time, rinse the tripe in 3-4 cold waters to remove any impurities.

2. Cleaning the vegetables
- Clean the vegetables: carrots, celery, onion, and parsnip. Make sure to cut them into large pieces, as they will be used to flavor the soup.

3. Boiling the tripe and bones
- In a large pot, add water and bring the tripe to a boil over medium heat. When the tripe starts to soften, add the beef bone, smoked bones, bay leaves, and whole pepper. If the water reduces too much, top up with hot water.
- Add the whole vegetables to the pot, wanting them to cook simultaneously with the tripe and bones without breaking down.

4. Draining the broth
- After everything is cooked, strain the broth into another pot, removing the bones. Let the tripe cool on a cutting board.

5. Preparing the garlic flavor
- Clean and crush the garlic, then wrap it in a cheesecloth or infuser. Tie it with string and add it to the pot with the soup to release its flavor.

6. Mixing the sour cream
- In a bowl, mix the two types of sour cream with the egg yolks. Take a ladle of the soup broth and gradually add it to the sour cream mixture, stirring constantly to avoid coagulation.

7. The final combination
- After adding 10-12 ladles of soup to the sour cream mixture, pour the composition back into the pot with the soup.

8. Finalizing the dish
- When the tripe has cooled, cut it into strips and add it to the soup. Grate the remaining 2 carrots and sauté them in olive oil until they lose their color. Drain the oil and add the sautéed carrots on top of the soup.
- Adjust salt and pepper, add vinegar to taste, and if you like, don’t hesitate to add hot peppers for an extra kick.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the tripe: Opt for fresh, high-quality beef or veal tripe to obtain a soup with excellent flavor.
- Olive oil: You can also use another type of oil, but olive oil adds a special note.
- Vinegar: Choose a quality vinegar, as it will influence the final taste of the soup.
- Serving: Tripe soup is often served with sour cream and hot peppers. You can also add croutons or toasted bread for extra texture.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Tripe soup is an excellent source of protein and calcium, due to the content of bones and meat. Each serving contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used. Beef tripe is rich in collagen, which supports skin and joint health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use pre-cooked tripe?
Yes, but it will cook much faster, so make sure to add it along with the bones.

- How can I store the soup?
Tripe soup stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the flavor improves each day.

Variations and Recommendations

For a spicier version, add a few slices of fresh hot pepper during cooking. You can also experiment with different types of vegetables, such as zucchini or bell pepper, to diversify the flavors.

Tripe soup is a recipe that combines tradition and refined taste, and each serving is a story in itself. Don’t forget to bring your personal touch by adding a dash of love and passion in every step of the preparation. Enjoy your meal!