Croatian soup with young herbs

Name: Croatian soup with young herbs
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 kg of young greens (spinach, nettle, sorrel); 800 g smoked pork ribs; 4 medium potatoes; 1 medium onion; 2 garlic cloves; 1–2 tsp ground sweet paprika; salt, freshly ground black pepper

Cookinero 5 Nov 2022

23710

This soup is called rastica and can be found in southern Croatia and Herzegovina. Each hostess has her own recipe, so each time the soup will be a little different.

How to cook Croatian soup with young herbs

Step 1

Put the pork ribs in a saucepan, pour 1.5 liters of water and put on fire. Bring to a boil, remove the foam and cook for 1 hour, until soft. When the ribs are ready, cut the meat.

Step 2

Peel the onion and potatoes and cut into cubes. Place the potatoes in a bowl and cover with cold water. Chop the garlic.

Step 3

Boil water in a large saucepan and put the greens, blanch for 3 minutes, then transfer to a colander. Take parts of the greens in your hands, squeeze out the water, and then cut it into small pieces.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and fry the onion and garlic until soft, add the paprika and fry for another 1 minute.

Step 5

Add greens and potatoes, pour in the broth from under the ribs, put the chopped meat and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper and simmer the soup over low heat until the potatoes are tender, 10 to 13 minutes.

Croatian soup with young herbs - FAQ About Ingredients, Baking Time and Storage

Can I use different herbs in this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fresh, young herbs like parsley, chives, or even a bit of dill. Just be mindful of the flavor profiles and adjust the quantities to your taste preference.

What can I substitute for the pork ribs?

You can substitute the pork ribs with other cuts of pork, like pork shoulder or even a smoked ham hock for a richer flavor. Chicken thighs or drumsticks would also work well. For a vegetarian option, consider using vegetable broth and adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms for umami.

How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

This soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this Croatian soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How do I reheat this soup?

You can reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little broth or water while reheating.

How do I make this soup vegetarian/vegan?

To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, replace the pork ribs with vegetable broth and add different mixed vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, celery or zucchini. Ensure that these vegetables are added at the correct time

Can I adjust the portion sizes of this soup?

Yes, you can easily adjust the portion sizes. Simply increase or decrease the quantities of all ingredients proportionally. Keep the same cooking times unless you drastically alter the amount of total liquid.

Can I use dried herbs if fresh herbs aren't available?

While fresh herbs are preferred for their bright flavor, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs. Add the dried herbs during the onion and garlic frying stage to allow them to bloom.

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