Discover the vibrant flavors of Ciorbă de Rădăcinoase, a traditional Romanian root vegetable soup that combines a variety of earthy roots with a tangy, savory broth. This hearty and wholesome soup is perfect for a cozy meal, offering a unique blend of textures and tastes that will delight your taste buds. Follow this easy recipe to create a comforting bowl of Ciorbă de Rădăcinoase that’s packed with nutrients and flavor.

Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 carrots, peeled and diced

- 1 parsnip, peeled and diced

- 1 celery root, peeled and diced

- 1 turnip, peeled and diced

- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon dried dill

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the carrots, parsnip, celery root, turnip, and red bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add the diced potatoes.

Season the Soup: Add the dried thyme, dill, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.

Add Tanginess: Stir in the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

This Ciorbă de Rădăcinoase is a wholesome and flavorful soup that highlights the natural sweetness of root vegetables with a tangy finish, perfect for a nourishing meal.

Nutritional Values:

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: Approximately 240

  - Fat: 28 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Provides healthy fats for energy and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

  - Helps in cooking and adds flavor.

Large Onion (1, finely chopped)

  - Calories: Approximately 44

  - Carbohydrates: 10 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds that promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

Carrots (2, peeled and diced)

  - Calories: Approximately 100

  - Carbohydrates: 24 g

  - Protein: 2 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - High in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and supports eye health.

  - Contains fiber and antioxidants that promote overall well-being.

Parsnip (1, peeled and diced)

  - Calories: Approximately 100

  - Carbohydrates: 24 g

  - Protein: 2 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - A good source of dietary fiber, vitamins C, K, and folate.

  - Supports digestive health and immune function.

Celery Root (1, peeled and diced)

  - Calories: Approximately 66

  - Carbohydrates: 14 g

  - Protein: 2 g

  - Fat: 0.5 g

Benefits:

  - Contains dietary fiber, vitamins C, K, and B6, promoting heart health and aiding in digestion.

  - Low in calories but rich in flavor.

Turnip (1, peeled and diced)

  - Calories: Approximately 36

  - Carbohydrates: 8 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Rich in fiber, vitamins C, and potassium, supporting immune function and heart health.

  - Low in calories and high in antioxidants.

Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced)

  - Calories: Approximately 320 (160 calories per potato)

  - Carbohydrates: 72 g

  - Protein: 8 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Provides carbohydrates for energy.

  - A good source of vitamin C and potassium, supporting immune function and heart health.

Red Bell Pepper (1, diced)

  - Calories: Approximately 37

  - Carbohydrates: 9 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which support immune health and reduce inflammation.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth (4 cups)

  - Calories: Approximately 60-80 (depends on the type of broth)

  - Carbohydrates: 10-12 g

  - Protein: 6-8 g

  - Fat: 0-2 g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor and nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, depending on the broth type.

  - Provides hydration and can help with digestion.

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: Approximately 30

  - Carbohydrates: 7 g

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Concentrated source of tomatoes, providing lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces the risk of certain cancers.

Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 3

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Adds acidity and tang to the dish.

  - Apple cider vinegar may aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 3

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.

  - Adds flavor and aroma to the dish.

Dried Dill (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 2

  - Carbohydrates: 0.4 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Contains vitamins A and C, which support immune function.

  - Adds a unique flavor and can aid in digestion.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

  - Sodium and minerals depend on the amount used.

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor; however, excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

  - Calories: Approximately 4 (per tablespoon)

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0.3 g

  - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

  - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supporting immune function, eye health, and blood clotting.

  - Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

This hearty vegetable-based dish is nutrient-dense, providing a balance of vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being low in calories. It's perfect for a warming, healthy meal.