Ciorbă de burtă, a Romanian specialty, is a tangy soup featuring beef tripe, seasoned with vinegar, garlic, and sour cream. Its origins date back centuries, rooted in traditional Romanian cuisine. The dish reflects a blend of cultural influences, offering a hearty and comforting meal enjoyed by many.

Ingredients:

- 500g beef tripe, cleaned and sliced

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons white vinegar

- 1 liter beef or vegetable broth

- 2 bay leaves

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 200ml sour cream

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

- Optional: chili flakes for added heat

Method:

- In a large pot, bring the broth to a simmer. Add the sliced tripe and cook for 30 minutes until tender.

- In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

- Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the pot with the tripe. Stir in the vinegar, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

- Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning if needed.

- In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream until smooth. Gradually stir in a ladleful of hot soup to temper the sour cream.

- Pour the sour cream mixture back into the pot and gently stir until well combined.

- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional chili flakes for extra heat. Enjoy!

Nutrition Value:

Beef Tripe (500g):

  - Calories: Approximately 350 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Approximately 50g

  - Fat: Approximately 15g

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation

  - Cholesterol: Varies based on preparation

Benefits: Rich in protein, zinc, and vitamin B12. Tripe also contains collagen, which may support joint health.

Onion (1 medium-sized):

  - Calories: Approximately 44 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: 2mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

Benefits: Onions are high in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, and may have anti-inflammatory properties. They also provide fiber and vitamin C.

Garlic (2 cloves):

  - Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.4g

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

Benefits: Garlic is known for its potential immune-boosting properties and contains allicin, a compound with antimicrobial effects. It also provides small amounts of manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.

White Vinegar (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: Approximately 2 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: 2mg

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

Benefits: Vinegar may aid in digestion and help stabilize blood sugar levels. It adds tanginess to the dish without adding significant calories.

Beef or Vegetable Broth (1 liter):

  - Nutritional content varies based on the type and brand of broth used. Generally, broth provides hydration and can contribute small amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Bay Leaves (2 leaves):

  - Bay leaves are primarily used for flavoring and are not a significant source of macronutrients or calories. They may have mild anti-inflammatory properties.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

  - Sodium: The amount of sodium added depends on personal preference and dietary needs. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues, so it's essential to use in moderation.

Sour Cream (200ml):

  - Calories: Approximately 480 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 8g

  - Protein: Approximately 4g

  - Fat: Approximately 50g

  - Sodium: Approximately 120mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 160mg

Benefits: Sour cream provides calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A. However, it is high in saturated fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish):

  - Parsley is low in calories and provides small amounts of vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which may benefit eye health.

Optional: Chili Flakes:

  - Calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, sodium, and other nutrients will vary based on the amount used. Chili flakes may provide capsaicin, a compound associated with metabolism boosting and potential pain relief. However, excessive consumption may irritate the digestive system.