Transylvanian Pork Soup

Transylvanian pork soup is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for cool days or family meals. This recipe, with deep roots in culinary tradition, combines the rich flavors of pork with the freshness of vegetables and spices, resulting in a full-bodied taste. I will guide you step by step in preparing this delicious soup, sharing some tricks and tips to achieve a perfect result.

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

Necessary ingredients

- 700 g pork (ideal is back meat or chop)
- 140 g rice
- 2 large carrots
- 2 onions
- 2 pieces of celery
- 2 pieces of parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1 bell pepper
- 400 ml sour cream
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of tarragon (fresh or in vinegar)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Juice of two lemons
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- Salt
- Pepper

Step by Step

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the pork into small pieces, about 3-4 cm. Place the meat in a large pot (about 4 liters) with cold water. Make sure the water covers the meat well.

2. Skimming: Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, remove the foam that forms on the surface with a skimmer. This will help achieve a clearer and tastier soup.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the meat is boiling, prepare the vegetables. Cut the carrots, onion, celery, parsnip, parsley root, and bell pepper into small cubes. In a pan, add the oil and sauté the vegetables over low heat for 20 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.

4. Adding the vegetables to the soup: After about an hour and a half of boiling the meat, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, then let the soup simmer over medium heat for another 40 minutes.

5. Preparing the rice: In another pot, boil the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside.

6. The sour cream sauce: In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the flour. This mixture will thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture. Gradually dissolve 6-7 ladles of soup broth into the sour cream mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

7. Finalizing the soup: Carefully pour the sour cream mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring constantly. This way, the soup will become creamy and delicious. Add the tarragon and lemon juice or tarragon vinegar, to taste, and let it simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.

8. Adding the rice and parsley: Finally, add the cooked rice and chopped parsley. Taste the soup and season if needed, then remove from heat.

Serving suggestions

Transylvanian pork soup is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can add a few fresh parsley leaves on top for a touch of freshness. A splash of fresh sour cream on each serving is also welcome.

Practical tips

- Meat: Choose pork with a bit of fat to achieve a more flavorful soup. If you prefer, you can use beef or chicken, and the cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat.

- Vegetables: You can experiment with vegetables, adding zucchini or potatoes according to your preferences.

- Tarragon: If using fresh tarragon, blanch it before adding it to the soup to enhance its flavor. If using tarragon in vinegar, make sure to drain it well.

- Rice: Instead of rice, you can use noodles or even quinoa for a healthier option.

Nutritional benefits

Pork soup is a good source of protein due to the pork and provides vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Additionally, tarragon has digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, and lemon juice adds a boost of vitamin C.

Calories

A serving of Transylvanian pork soup (about 300 ml) contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- How long can I keep the soup? Pork soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to reheat it before serving.

- Can I freeze the soup? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but the texture of the rice may not be as pleasant after thawing. I recommend adding fresh rice after thawing.

- Can I make the soup spicier? If you enjoy spicy food, you can add a little cayenne pepper or hot pepper during preparation.

Transylvanian pork soup is not only a tasty dish but also a way to bring the family together around the table. Its rich flavor and inviting aromas will surely make you want to repeat it! Don't hesitate to experiment and put your personal touch on this traditional recipe. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 700 g pork cut into pieces, 140 g rice, 2 large carrots, 2 onions, 2 pieces of celery, 2 pieces of parsnip, 2 parsley roots, 1 bell pepper, 400 ml sour cream, 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of tarragon, parsley, juice of two lemons, 4 tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper