Traditional Moldovan Hruşcă: A Homemade Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of lamb meat
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 onions, finely diced
  • 1 large carrot, finely diced
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 litres of water
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean and cut the lamb meat into small pieces.
  2. In a large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the lamb meat to the pot and cook until it turns brown.
  4. Add the diced onions, carrots, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir well.
  5. Cook the vegetables with the meat until they soften.
  6. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper.
  7. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir well.
  8. Pour the water into the pot. Bring the soup to a boil.
  9. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about an hour.
  10. Check if the lamb meat and potatoes are well cooked. If not, continue to simmer until they are tender.
  11. Once the soup is ready, add the chopped dill and parsley. Stir well.
  12. Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace lamb meat with beef or chicken for a different flavor.
  • Add different vegetables such as peas, corn, or zucchini to the soup.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh.
  • Add spices like cumin, paprika, or turmeric for an extra kick of flavor.
  • For a heartier version, add barley or lentils to the soup.
  • Include other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for additional aromatic notes.
  • For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
  • Experiment with different types of broth or stock, such as vegetable or mushroom, to enhance the soup's depth of flavor.
  • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or croutons for added texture and taste.
  • For a spicier version, add chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce.

Recipe overview

Hruşcă is a hearty and comforting lamb soup that originates from the traditional Moldovan cuisine. This recipe combines succulent pieces of lamb with a variety of fresh vegetables, including onions, carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes, that are all simmered together in a flavorful broth. The addition of fresh dill and parsley toward the end of the cooking process infuses the soup with a refreshing herbal note. The result is a rich and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy dinner at home. To make Hruşcă, you'll need to prepare and cook the ingredients in several easy to follow steps, which will take about an hour of cooking time. Enjoy this delicious taste of Moldovan culinary tradition!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of lamb? Yes, you can substitute lamb with beef, chicken, or even pork if you prefer.
  2. Can I add other vegetables to the soup? Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans according to your taste.
  3. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones? While fresh herbs enhance the flavors, you can use dried herbs if that's what you have available. Just remember to adjust the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
  4. How long does it take for the lamb meat and potatoes to cook? It usually takes about an hour of simmering for the lamb meat and potatoes to become tender. Ensure they are cooked thoroughly before serving.
  5. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can transfer the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the lamb meat and potatoes are cooked through.
  6. Can I freeze the leftover soup? Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Soup pot - A large pot with a lid to cook the soup.
  • Knife - For cutting the lamb meat and vegetables.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for cutting ingredients.
  • Spoon - For stirring the soup while it cooks.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the salt, black pepper, dill, and parsley.
  • Ladle - For serving the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - To serve the hruşcă.
  • Soup spoons - For eating the hruşcă.
  • Fresh dill garnish - Optional, for garnishing the soup before serving.

Origin stories

Hruşcă is a hearty soup hailing from Moldova, a small country nestled between Romania and Ukraine. This culinary delight mirrors the country's rustic charm and agricultural richness, owing to its plentiful array of hearty vegetables and tender lamb meat. It is interesting to note that Moldova, being one of the least visited countries in the world, holds a treasure trove of time-honored recipes like Hruşcă, which are passed down through generations. In Moldova, Hruşcă is not just a soup; it's a heartwarming symbol of home, a testament to the country's rich cultural traditions and communal spirit. Cooking and sharing a pot of Hruşcă is like telling a story of Moldova's pastoral landscapes, its humble, hardworking people, and its love for earthy, satisfying flavors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.