Sour Cabbage Soup with Pork, known as **Ciorbă de Varză cu Porc**, is a beloved dish in Romania, especially during the cold winter months. This hearty soup combines tender pork, tangy fermented cabbage, and a variety of vegetables, creating a comforting meal that warms both the body and soul. Below is a detailed recipe that will guide you through making this traditional Romanian dish, complete with pictograms to enhance your cooking experience.
🥩 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---------------------------|-------------------------|
| Pork (shoulder or leg) | 500 grams |
| Sour cabbage (fermented) | 400 grams |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced |
| Potatoes | 2 medium, diced |
| Onion | 1 large, chopped |
| Bell pepper | 1 medium, diced |
| Celery stalk | 1, diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Bors (sour liquid) | 500 ml (or pickled cabbage juice) |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley | For garnish |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Water | 1.5 liters |
🥄 Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- **Chop the Pork**: Cut the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- **Dice the Vegetables**: Chop the onion, carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and celery.
2. Cook the Pork
- In a large pot, heat **2 tablespoons of vegetable oil** over medium heat.
- Add the chopped **onion** and sauté until translucent.
- Add the pork pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add Vegetables
- Stir in the **carrots**, **celery**, and **bell pepper**. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the **garlic** and cook for an additional minute.
4. Create the Broth
- Pour in **1.5 liters of water** and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface.
5. Incorporate the Cabbage
- Add the **sour cabbage** to the pot, along with the **diced potatoes** and **tomato paste**.
- Stir well and let it simmer for another 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
6. Add the Sour Liquid
- Gradually add the **bors** or pickled cabbage juice, tasting as you go to achieve your desired level of sourness.
- Season with **salt and pepper** to taste.
7. Final Touches
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh **parsley**.
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🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- **Accompaniments**: This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream.
- **Garnish**: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
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🌟 Tips for the Best Sour Cabbage Soup
- **Choosing the Meat**: Pork shoulder or leg is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness and flavor. You can also use pork ribs for a richer broth.
- **Sourness Level**: Adjust the amount of bors or pickled cabbage juice according to your taste preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
- **Vegetable Variations**: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips or turnips for additional flavor and nutrition.
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🥘 Nutritional Benefits
Sour Cabbage Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of pork and vegetables provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The fermented cabbage is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
