Tripe soup

Tripe soup is a true delicacy that not only delights our taste buds but also reminds us of hearty family meals. This classic recipe, rich in flavors and textures, has a rich history, often associated with culinary traditions from various corners of the world. It is a dish that can transform an ordinary day into a celebration of taste, and today I will show you how to prepare it perfectly, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg of tripe (ideally pre-boiled and cut into strips)
- 2 thick beef bones, with marrow and some meat
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 piece of celery
- 1 piece of parsnip
- 3 egg yolks
- Sour cream (to taste)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (optional)
- Vinegar (to taste)
- Salt and ground pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons of oil

Step by step for a perfect tripe soup:

1. Preparing the bones:
Start by soaking the bones in cold water for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to remove blood and impurities, ensuring that the final broth will be clear and flavorful. After soaking, drain the water and place the bones in a large pot with cold water.

2. Boiling the bones:
Bring the water to a boil and skim constantly to remove impurities. If you have a pressure cooker, using it can significantly reduce the cooking time, but don't forget to check the manufacturer's instructions. Boil the bones until the meat easily separates from the bone, which can take between 1-2 hours, depending on the type of meat.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
In the meantime, clean the vegetables: onion, carrot, celery, and parsnip. Finely chop the onion, and grate the carrot and celery. These vegetables will give the soup a wonderful flavor and a beautiful color.

4. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a pan, heat the oil and first add the grated carrot. Sauté for a few minutes, then add the onion and celery. Let the vegetables cook over medium heat until they become soft, stirring occasionally. This step will add depth and flavor to your soup.

5. Combining the ingredients:
When the bones are boiled, turn off the heat and strain the broth through a sieve, keeping only the clear liquid. Add the beef broth over the sautéed vegetables and add the cut tripe. Add vinegar to taste (1-2 tablespoons), salt, and pepper. Boil everything for 20-30 minutes until the tripe becomes tender and flavorful.

6. Preparing the sour cream mixture:
In a deep bowl, place sour cream, egg yolks, and crushed garlic. Mix well with a fork. To avoid curdling, gradually add a few ladles of hot broth to the sour cream mixture while stirring constantly. This step will help to homogenize the temperatures.

7. Finalizing the soup:
Once the mixture is well homogenized, pour it into the pot with the soup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving:
Tripe soup is served hot, with sour cream on top and, for those who love a spicy kick, pickled hot peppers on the side. This is one of those recipes that will fill your heart and stomach with joy.

Useful tips:
- If you don't like strong garlic flavors, you can skip it or serve it separately.
- A delicious alternative is to add a few fresh lovage leaves at the end for an extra flavor.
- Tripe soup pairs excellently with a glass of dry white wine or a slightly bitter beer, which will perfectly complement the rich taste of the dish.

Nutritional information:
Tripe soup is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the beef and egg yolks. The marrow from the bones adds healthy fats, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. It is a hearty dish, ideal for colder days, but should be consumed in moderation as it can be quite caloric.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use unprepared beef tripe? Yes, but it will require a longer boiling time to become tender.
2. How can I make the soup more tangy? Add more vinegar or lemon juice to taste.
3. What can I do with leftover soup? You can freeze the remaining soup to consume later, and the flavor will intensify after thawing.

I invite you to try this recipe at home, adapt it to your preferences, and enjoy its wonderful flavors. A perfect tripe soup can become a cherished recipe to share with loved ones at festive meals or on ordinary days when you want to bring a touch of joy to every plate. Enjoy your meal!