Tripe soup for beginners

Tripe soup for beginners

Tripe soup is a traditional dish, known and loved in many cultures, considered a delicacy. Its rich aroma and creamy texture make it a comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or when we crave something truly special. Often, tripe soup is associated with moments of conviviality, parties with friends, or festive family meals. In this guide, I will show you how to prepare a delicious tripe soup, step by step, and you will discover tricks and tips to help you achieve a perfect result, even if you are beginners.

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

Ingredients

- 1 beef bone (preferably with marrow, for a richer taste)
- 500g beef tripe (pre-cooked - available in most hypermarkets)
- 1 small celery
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 large onion
- 1 hot pepper (optional)
- 700g sour cream (ideally with at least 18% fat, I recommend Tnuva with 20%)
- 2-3 egg yolks
- 1 head of garlic
- 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar (to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the soup base

Start by placing the beef bone in a large pot with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 1 hour. It is important to top up with warm water if it decreases too much.

Tip: Adding vinegar to the boiling water helps extract flavors from the bone and enhances the taste of the soup.

Step 2: Vegetables for flavor

After the bone has boiled for an hour, add the roughly chopped vegetables: celery, carrots, parsley root, and the whole onion. If you want extra spice, add the hot pepper, cleaned of seeds. Let all these ingredients boil for about 30 minutes.

Tip: The more vegetables you add, the tastier the soup will be. You can experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.

Step 3: Preparing the tripe

Meanwhile, prepare the beef tripe. If you bought pre-cooked tripe, check the instructions on the packaging. Usually, it is enough to cut it into thin strips and add it to the pot with the vegetables and bone. Let it boil for 30 minutes or according to the instructions on the packaging.

Step 4: Cream mixture

In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of vinegar until you obtain a smooth paste. Then, gradually add the sour cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This mixture will give the soup a creamy and rich texture.

Tip: Use high-quality sour cream for a better taste. Sour cream with a higher fat content will create a smoother texture.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients

When the tripe and vegetables are cooked, strain the broth and pour it into a larger pot. Then, using a ladle, take broth from the pot with the hot tripe and gradually add it over the sour cream mixture, stirring continuously. This technique helps temper the sour cream, preventing it from curdling.

Tip: It is essential to stir constantly to achieve a perfect emulsion.

Step 6: Finalizing the soup

After you have incorporated half of the soup broth into the sour cream mixture, pour this mixture into the pot with the tripe. Stir again, ensuring everything is well combined. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Serving

Before serving the soup, add the crushed garlic and mix well. Let the soup rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving tip: Tripe soup is served hot, often alongside pickled hot peppers and extra sour cream. A slice of fresh bread will perfectly complement the meal.

Variations and suggestions

Tripe soup can be customized according to personal preferences. You can try adding spices like hot paprika or fresh parsley for extra flavor. Also, for a more sophisticated touch, a few drops of extra virgin olive oil at serving can enhance the taste.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use chicken tripe instead of beef?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe, but the taste will be different. Beef tripe soup has a richer flavor.

2. How long can I keep the soup in the fridge?
Tripe soup can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on low heat.

3. Is tripe soup healthy?
Although it is high in fat, tripe soup contains essential proteins and minerals due to the ingredients used. Moderation is key.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of tripe soup (about 250 ml) contains between 350-450 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used. It is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamins from the vegetables, providing a hearty and comforting meal.

Tripe soup is a dish that not only finds its place on festive tables but also brings a touch of nostalgia to our culinary memories. So, don’t hesitate! Put on your apron and let’s cook together a tripe soup that will delight the taste buds of your loved ones!