Northern Irish Style Sour Soup

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Latvian Skābeņu zupa is transformed into a Northern Irish delight by incorporating local ingredients and flavors. The original dish typically includes fermented rye bread and sour cream, while this version replaces the rye bread with root vegetables and apples, giving it a unique twist. The addition of beef chunks adds a hearty element, making it a more substantial meal. We alse have the original recipe for Skābeņu zupa, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 parsnips, peeled and diced 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 liter (4 cups) beef broth 1 liter (4 cups) beef broth
• 250ml (1 cup) sour cream 250ml (1 cup) sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and apples. Cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
3. 3.
   Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beef is tender.
4. 4.
   Stir in the sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
5. 5.
   Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — For a more tender result, you can marinate the beef cubes in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• Sour cream — To prevent curdling, gradually temper the sour cream by adding a small amount of hot broth to it before stirring it into the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables before adding the sour cream.
• Adjust the tanginess of the soup by adding more or less sour cream according to your preference.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Northern Irish Style Sour Soup hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic-style bowls to enhance the Northern Irish feel.