Ciroba of offal

Potroace soup is a traditional Romanian dish, perfect for cool days when you crave a comforting and flavorful meal. This simple and tasty recipe is ideal for using up leftover meat and vegetables, transforming them into a delicious delight. In just 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will have 4 servings of soup that will delight the whole family.

Ingredients:

- 1 chicken carcass (about 500 g)
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 celery root
- 1 parsnip
- 1 cup of rice (about 200 g)
- 500 ml of borscht (or to taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Step 1: Preparing the meat
Start by washing the chicken carcass well, then place it in a large pot of water to boil. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Boil the meat over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes until tender. It is important not to overcook it, to avoid drying it out.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
While the meat is boiling, peel and grate the vegetables. Use a large grater for the onion, carrots, celery, and parsnip. These vegetables will add sweetness and a rich flavor to the soup. If you prefer, you can cut the vegetables into small cubes or slices, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Adding the vegetables
Once the meat is half cooked, add the grated vegetables to the pot with the meat. Let them boil together for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are soft. This step is essential to allow the flavors to combine.

Step 4: Cooking the rice
After the vegetables are cooked, add the washed rice and let it boil for about 10-15 minutes. The rice will help thicken the soup and add a pleasant texture.

Step 5: Flavoring the soup
Finally, add the borscht. I recommend boiling it separately before adding it to the soup to enhance its flavor. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, according to your preference. Let the soup boil for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 6: Serving
Turn off the heat and add the chopped fresh lovage. Lovage will give a fresh and aromatic taste to your soup. Serve the soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can add sour cream for extra creaminess if you wish.

Variation suggestion: If you want to try a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms or heartier vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of water. This potroace soup is versatile and can easily be adapted to your tastes.

Potroace soup is not just a comforting dish, but also an excellent way to reduce food waste. Enjoy your meal!