Discover the bold flavours of traditional rosolnik soup
Cuisines from around the world are abundant in recipes using offal. While it may seem unusual to some, for others, these dishes are genuine delicacies. One such delicacy is rosolnik, a traditional Eastern European soup with veal kidneys as a key ingredient.
Offal, including veal kidneys, evokes mixed reactions. Some people love them, while others tend to avoid them. However, it's worth an attempt, as making soup from them can be a culinary revelation. One such dish is rosolnik, a traditional Eastern European soup that combines pickled cucumbers, barley, and broth made with veal kidneys. Although it may sound unusual, the end result is impressive with its taste and aroma.
Why is it worth trying rosolnik?
Broth with kidneys is a hearty dish and extremely aromatic and flavourful. Properly prepared veal kidneys are tender and devoid of their typical smell. Combining them with pickled cucumbers, vegetables, and barley creates a unique taste profile.
Recipe for traditional rosolnik
Ingredients:
- 450 g beef with bone,
- 1 veal kidney,
- 4 pickled cucumbers,
- 3 carrots,
- 1 parsley root,
- 1 onion,
- a piece of celery root,
- the white part of a leek,
- 100 g tomato paste,
- 2 handfuls of dried mushrooms,
- about 60 ml of pearl barley,
- parsley leaves,
- allspice berries,
- bay leaves,
- pepper,
- salt.
Preparation:
- Thoroughly clean the kidneys and then soak them in several bowls of water to remove their distinctive odour.
- Boil the beef and kidneys in separate pots until tender.
- Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Add chopped dried mushrooms and tomato paste.
- Combine the broths from the beef and kidneys. Add sautéed vegetables, barley, chopped pickled cucumbers, and spices. Cook until the barley is tender.
- Serve the finished soup sprinkled with fresh parsley leaves.
Offal, though often undervalued, is a valuable component of the diet, rich in protein and vitamins. It's worth appreciating their flavour, especially in such a successful rendition as rosolnik. This soup is an excellent way to diversify your daily menu and get acquainted with our eastern neighbours' cuisine.
Give veal kidneys a chance—you might discover a new favourite dish!
