Discover how to make Friptură, a classic Romanian roasted meat dish. Whether you choose pork or beef, this recipe guides you through seasoning and roasting to perfection. Served with delicious sides, it's a hearty meal for any occasion.

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs pork or beef roast (choose your preferred cut)

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tbsp paprika

- 1 tsp dried thyme

- 1 tsp dried rosemary

- 1 tsp ground black pepper

- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

- 2 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for added depth)

- 1 onion, sliced

- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Meat: Pat the roast dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the meat.

Season the Meat: In a small bowl, mix the garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the roast.

Sear the Meat: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften.

Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth (and soy sauce, if using). Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Roast the Meat: Return the meat to the skillet, placing it on top of the vegetables. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

Cooking Time: Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for pork or 160°F (71°C) for beef. Baste occasionally with the pan juices.

Rest the Meat: Once done, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Serve: Slice the meat and serve it with the roasted vegetables. Enjoy your delicious Friptură!

Feel free to customize the spices and vegetables to suit your taste!

Nutritional Values

Pork or Beef (Roast)

   - Calories: 250-300 kcal

   - Protein: 20-26g

   - Fat: 17-22g (varies by cut)

   - Iron: 1.8-2.5mg

   - Zinc: 4-5mg

Benefits:

   - Protein-Rich: Provides high-quality protein essential for muscle growth and repair.

   - Iron and Zinc: Rich in iron for oxygen transport and zinc for immune function.

   - B Vitamins: Supports energy production and neurological health.

Garlic (3 cloves)

   - Calories: 4.5 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Vitamin C: 1mg

Benefits:

   - Antioxidant Properties: Rich in antioxidants that help protect cells.

   - Heart Health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

   - Immune Support: Natural antimicrobial properties enhance immune function.

Olive Oil (2 tbsp)

   - Calories: 119 kcal

   - Fat: 14g (mostly monounsaturated fat)

   - Vitamin E: 1.9mg

   - Vitamin K: 8.1mcg

Benefits:

   - Heart Health: High in monounsaturated fats that can reduce bad cholesterol levels.

   - Anti-Inflammatory: Contains compounds with anti-inflammatory effects.

   - Rich in Antioxidants: Provides vitamin E, which protects cells from damage.

Paprika (1 tbsp)

   - Calories: 19 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 4g

   - Vitamin A: 926 IU

   - Vitamin C: 2mg

Benefits:

   - Rich in Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamin A for vision and skin health.

   - Anti-Inflammatory: Contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

   - Boosts Metabolism: Capsaicin can help boost metabolism.

Thyme (1 tsp)

   - Calories: 1 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

   - Vitamin C: 0.4mg

Benefits:

   - Antimicrobial Properties: Contains thymol with natural antimicrobial effects.

   - Respiratory Health: Used to soothe coughs and improve respiratory health.

   - Antioxidant: Rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

Rosemary (1 tsp)

   - Calories: 1 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 0.2g

   - Vitamin A: 12 IU

Benefits:

   - Memory and Concentration: Linked to improved cognitive function.

   - Anti-Inflammatory: Contains rosmarinic acid with anti-inflammatory effects.

   - Digestive Health: May help improve digestion and relieve indigestion.

Black Pepper (1 tsp)

   - Calories: 5.7 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

   - Fiber: 0.6g

Benefits:

   - Digestive Aid: Stimulates digestive enzymes and improves digestion.

   - Antioxidant: Contains piperine, which helps prevent cell damage.

   - Boosts Nutrient Absorption: Enhances absorption of other nutrients.

Onion (1 medium onion)

   - Calories: 40 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 9g

   - Fiber: 1.7g

   - Vitamin C: 7.4mg

Benefits:

   - Heart Health: Contains quercetin, which may reduce blood pressure.

   - Anti-Inflammatory: Has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce chronic disease risk.

   - Digestive Health: High in fiber, supporting good gut bacteria and digestion.

Carrots (2 medium carrots)

   - Calories: 41 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 9.6g

   - Fiber: 2.8g

   - Vitamin A: 835 mcg

Benefits:

   - Vision Support: High in beta-carotene, which supports good vision.

   - Antioxidant-Rich: Protects against free radical damage.

   - Skin Health: Promotes healthy skin and repairs tissues.

Potatoes (2 medium potatoes)

   - Calories: 77 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 17g

   - Fiber: 2.2g

   - Vitamin C: 19.7mg

Benefits:

   - Energy Source: Provides carbohydrates for energy.

   - High in Potassium: Supports heart health and regulates blood pressure.

   - Digestive Health: Promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation.

These ingredients together make Friptură a flavorful and nutritious meal that supports overall health while satisfying your taste buds.