Ciorba de Burta

Experience the hearty and tangy flavors of Romanian cuisine with Ciorba de Burta, a classic soup made from tender beef tripe, vegetables, and a creamy, slightly sour broth. This comforting dish is beloved across Romania for its rich taste and satisfying warmth, perfect for cold days or a traditional family meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef tripe, cleaned and cut into strips
• 1 lb beef bones or beef shank
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 onion, peeled and halved
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups water
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 egg yolks

Optional:

• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth

   In a large pot, add beef bones or shank, carrot, celery, onion, bay leaf, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours to create a rich broth. Remove the bones, onion, and vegetables, straining the broth if needed.

2. Cook the Tripe

   Rinse the tripe well under cold water. Add it to the broth and simmer for 1–1.5 hours, or until the tripe is tender. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Make the Creamy Base

   In a small bowl, mix sour cream with flour until smooth. Temper the mixture by gradually whisking in some hot broth to prevent curdling. Stir the sour cream mixture into the soup and simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.

4. Add Flavor and Finish

   In a separate small bowl, whisk egg yolks with vinegar. Slowly stir a few spoonfuls of hot soup into the egg mixture to temper it. Then gradually add it back to the soup, stirring constantly. Add minced garlic, adjust salt and vinegar to taste.

5. Serve

   Ladle hot Ciorba de Burta into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or hot chili peppers for an authentic experience.

Serving

Ciorba de Burta is a comforting Romanian classic that balances richness with tangy freshness. It’s a must-try for lovers of traditional Eastern European cuisine and a warm, flavorful addition to any meal.