Grandma's Soup (with tarragon)

Grandma's tarragon soup: a delicious and comforting recipe

When we think of grandma's soup, pleasant memories come to mind, of sunny days spent with family, while the inviting aroma of the soup spread throughout the house. This tarragon soup recipe, prepared in a Transylvanian style, is one of those dishes that brings us closer to our roots. With fresh ingredients and an unmistakable flavor, grandma's soup becomes a true culinary indulgence.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 800 g pork (you can use shoulder or breast)
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 celery (about 200 g)
- 1 parsley root
- 1 red bell pepper
- 4 tablespoons of rice (preferably long-grain)
- 1 large onion
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg yolk
- 200 g sour cream (with a minimum fat content of 20%)
- tarragon in vinegar (to taste)
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. Cut the carrots, celery, parsley root, and bell pepper into small cubes, and chop the onion finely. This step is essential as evenly cut vegetables will cook uniformly, providing a pleasant texture to the soup.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrots, celery, parsley root, and bell pepper. Sauté all the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly soft.

3. Adding the meat: Cut the pork into small cubes and wash it well under cold running water. Add the meat to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Let it brown slightly for 5-6 minutes.

4. Boiling the soup: Add 4 liters of water to the pot and sprinkle salt to taste. When the water starts to boil, add the washed rice. Reduce the heat and let it simmer covered for about 40 minutes. During this time, check occasionally if the carrots and meat are cooked.

5. Thickening the soup: In a bowl, dilute the egg yolk with a little warm water. Add the sour cream and mix well. Then, pour this mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the egg.

6. Adding acidity to the soup: Add the tarragon in vinegar to taste. If you prefer a more sour soup, you can add a bit more tarragon vinegar. This ingredient gives a distinct and fresh note typical of traditional soups.

7. Serving: Once the soup is ready, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and add freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve grandma's soup with a slice of fresh bread or polenta for a truly comforting meal.

Useful tips for a perfect result:
- Choose pork with a little fat for a richer taste and a more tender texture.
- Tarragon is the key ingredient that transforms this soup into a delicacy. You can also use fresh tarragon, but you will achieve a more intense flavor using tarragon in vinegar.
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace the pork with poultry (for example, chicken breast or thighs).

Nutritional benefits:
Grandma's soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Pork provides quality protein, while the vegetables contribute important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A from carrots and vitamin C from bell peppers. Rice adds complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables in this soup?
Of course! You can add potatoes or zucchini for a different texture. Experiment with your favorite vegetables.

2. How can I store the soup for later consumption?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

3. How can I make the soup spicier?
If you like spicy food, you can add a little hot paprika or freshly chopped chili pepper to the soup.

Grandma's tarragon soup is a true symbol of culinary comfort, evoking pleasant memories and unforgettable moments with loved ones. Prepare this simple and quick recipe, and turn it into your family's favorite!

 Ingredients: 800 g pork meat, 2 carrots, 1 celery, 1 parsley root, 4 tablespoons rice, 1 onion, 1 red pepper, 100 ml oil, salt, pepper, 1 egg yolk, 200 g sour cream, tarragon in vinegar, fresh parsley

 Tags:  soup tarragon pig sour cream