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TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN RUSTIC PORK AND VEGETABLE SOUP

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN RUSTIC PORK AND VEGETABLE SOUP

TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN RUSTIC PORK AND VEGETABLE SOUP

Perfect for snowy days and cozy evenings, this hearty Romanian rustic soup blends tender pork with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. Brightened with lemon juice and fresh herbs, it’s a nourishing, vitamin-packed meal that warms the soul and keeps you energized through winter.

🕒 Prep Time: 30 min

🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour 45 min
🍰 Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 kg pork meat (include some fatty pieces), cut into cubes
  • 1 large onion (about 100 g), diced
  • 1 parsley root (about 100 g), diced
  • 1 piece celery root (about 100 g), diced
  • 2 carrots (about 200 g), diced
  • 2 potatoes (about 300 g), diced
  • 300 g white cabbage, chopped
  • 200 g cauliflower florets
  • 1 small bell pepper (about 50 g), diced
  • 2 tomatoes (about 200 g), diced (peeled if desired)
  • 150 g peas (canned or frozen)
  • 200 ml tomato purée (bulion) or tomato paste diluted with some broth
  • 1 lemon (juice)
  • ½ bunch fresh herbs (lovage, parsley, or tarragon), chopped
  • 3 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • 3 tbsp oil

Instructions

1. Cook the Pork

  • Place cubed pork (including some fat) into a large pot with 3.5 liters cold water.
  • Simmer over medium heat for about 1 hour until the meat is cooked through but not yet tender. Skim foam several times.
  • Wipe the pot rim with a damp cloth to keep broth clear.

2. Prepare and Sauté Vegetables

  • Dice onion, carrots, parsley root, and celery root into small cubes.
  • Sauté in heated oil until the onion softens.

Note: This step is optional for a richer soup appearance.

3. Add Vegetables to Soup

  • Add sautéed vegetables and 1 tsp salt to the pot with pork.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Add Remaining Vegetables

  • Break cauliflower into florets, dice potatoes, bell pepper, and chop cabbage into squares.
  • Add these vegetables and an additional teaspoon of salt to the pot.
  • Simmer gently for about 30 minutes until cauliflower and potatoes are cooked but still firm.

5. Add Tomatoes, Peas, and Tomato Purée

  • Add diced tomatoes (peeled if preferred), peas, and tomato purée.
  • Simmer for 10 more minutes.

6. Final Seasoning and Serving

  • Remove from heat and taste, adding more salt if needed.
  • Add lemon juice or other souring agents like lemon salt, pickled hot pepper juice, or borscht to taste. Start with juice from half a lemon and add more if desired.
  • Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs (lovage, parsley, or tarragon).
  • Serve plain, with sour cream, or alongside pickled hot peppers.

💡 Tips

  • Maintaining a gentle simmer helps keep broth clear and flavors balanced.
  • Sautéing vegetables adds depth but can be skipped for a lighter version.
  • Adjust sourness gradually for a perfect tang.
  • Fresh lovage brings authentic aromatic flavor; parsley or tarragon work well too.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Hearty winter meals
  • Traditional Romanian family dinners
  • Those craving a comforting, vegetable-rich soup

📝 Final Thoughts

This rustic Romanian pork and vegetable soup offers a satisfying combination of tender meat, fresh garden vegetables, and a bright, tangy finish. Its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients make it an ideal dish to enjoy during cold weather or any time you want a nourishing, home-style meal.