Tripe soup with sour cream

Beef tripe soup with sour cream is an iconic Romanian recipe, full of flavor and history, blending culinary tradition with quality ingredients. This rich soup is often considered a true feast, ideal for chilly days or family indulgence moments. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing this delicious tripe soup, providing you with useful tips and a series of information that will help you achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients:
- 1.2 kg pre-cooked beef tripe
- 1 beef bone
- 1 1/2 carrots
- 1 kohlrabi
- 2 parsley roots
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 tablespoon of peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 red pepper
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for those who prefer a spicier taste)
- 400 g sour cream (ideally with 30% fat for a creamy texture)
- 6 large garlic cloves
- 4 tablespoons of coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 7 tablespoons of vinegar (for washing the tripe)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the tripe: Start by washing the beef tripe under a cold running water, then soak it in vinegar water for about 30 minutes. This will help remove unpleasant flavors and make the tripe more tender.

2. Boiling the bones: In a large pot, add the beef bone along with 3 liters of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the temperature. Add the peppercorns and bay leaves. Boil for 1 hour, covering the pot with a lid to allow the flavors to develop.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel the carrots, kohlrabi, parsley roots, and celery. Cut them into small cubes. These vegetables will not only add a sweet taste to the soup but will also enrich its texture.

4. Adding the tripe and vegetables: After the bone has boiled for an hour, add the beef tripe, diced vegetables, and coarse salt. Let everything simmer for another 30-40 minutes, until the tripe becomes tender.

5. Preparing the sour cream and garlic: In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the crushed garlic (at least 6 cloves, but you can add more if you like a strong garlic flavor) and a bit of soup broth. This will help homogenize the sour cream and prevent it from curdling.

6. Finalizing the soup: Once the tripe is cooked, add the diced red pepper and the hot pepper if you want a bit of spice. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

7. Serving: The tripe soup is served hot, with a generous spoonful of sour cream on top and, optionally, with freshly chopped hot pepper. A slice of fresh bread alongside will perfectly complement this dish.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more sour soup, you can add lemon juice or more vinegar to taste.
- The tripe soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the flavors will become more intense as it sits.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as celery or turnips, to give a personal twist to the recipe.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g

Tripe soup is not only a delicious dish but also one with many nutritional benefits. It is rich in protein due to the beef, and the added garlic provides antimicrobial properties and helps strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh tripe?
Yes, but you will need to boil it longer to make it tender.
2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add more hot pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
3. What other side dishes go well with tripe soup?
A slice of toasted bread with butter or croutons are excellent alongside this dish.

Besides tripe soup, you can explore other traditional Romanian recipes, such as stuffed cabbage rolls or polenta, which pair perfectly with a glass of red wine or plum brandy. These will complete the meal and bring a note of authenticity and tradition to every bite.

I hope this tripe soup recipe quickly becomes one of your favorites! Cooking is an art, and every recipe is a story waiting to be told. So, enjoy every step and don't forget to share the result with your loved ones!