Romanian cabbage soup with beef

Romanian cabbage soup with beef, also known as “Ciorba de varza cu carne de vita” in Romanian, is a popular and traditional soup in Romania. It is a hearty and flavorful soup that combines beef, cabbage, and a variety of spices to create a rich and comforting dish.
Here is the recipe for Romanian cabbage soup:
Serving size and preparation time:

This Romanian cabbage soup with beef recipe makes about 6 servings, and the preparation time is approximately 20 minutes while the cooking time is about 60 minutes, for a total of 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of beef, cut into small cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 6 cups of beef broth
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sour cream and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the paprika and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir until it is coated with the beef and onion mixture.
5. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the soup for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the cabbage is soft.
7. Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped parsley, if desired.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
10. Enjoy your delicious Romanian cabbage soup with beef!

Serving suggestions:

Here are some serving suggestions for Romanian cabbage soup with beef:

1. Serve with a side of crusty bread or rolls to dip into the soup.
2. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and freshness.
3. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes.
4. Add a touch of heat with some hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
5. Enjoy alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
6. This soup can also be served as a starter for a larger meal, or as a comforting main dish on its own.
7. Enjoy your Romanian cabbage soup with beef!
8. Romanian cabbage soup with beef is often enjoyed as a main dish, especially during the colder months, as it is both filling and warming. It can also be served as a starter for a larger meal or as a comforting lunch. The soup is also popular in other Eastern European countries, such as Poland and Russia, and is often made with variations of ingredients and spices.

Overall, Romanian cabbage soup with beef is a delicious and satisfying soup that is easy to make and enjoyed by many.