| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 90 mins – 120 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 345 | 20g | 8g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 25g | 1.4g |
Why I Love Polish Beef Tripe Soup
There’s something inherently comforting about wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of soup. For me, the epitome of soul-warming fare has to be Beef Tripe Soup, a traditional Polish dish that has stayed close to my heart. This humble yet robust concoction captures the essence of hearty Eastern European cuisine, a departure from my usual repertoire, inspired by the diverse culinary landscape of NYC. True to my love for the rich, multifaceted food culture of my city, I always enjoy extending my culinary frontier beyond and discovering new dishes to cherish.
A Soup That Warms the Soul
In its heart, the Beef Tripe Soup is not just a nourishing meal, it’s a taste of home for the Polish diaspora, rekindling fond memories of family dinners and festive holiday tables; a tangible way to pass down traditions from one generation to another. I find it incredibly moving how food can serve as a means of cultural preservation and storytelling, transcending even continents and timelines. This deep human touch is what adds an extra tang to the Beef Tripe Soup.
Connecting with Cultural Roots
While I can’t lay claim to a Polish lineage, preparing and enjoying this soup feels like paying homage to a rich culinary heritage. It takes me back to my maiden voyage to Warsaw, where I first fell in love with this soothing soup at a local hideaway, Zapiecek. The late Julia Child—a master of world cuisine and a personal inspiration—once said, “Food is not about impressing people. It’s about making them feel comfortable.” I couldn’t agree more, and I think Beef Tripe Soup encapsulates just that.
Comforting Companions for Beef Tripe Soup
Coupling this dish with other Eastern European classics, such as boiled potatoes or a refreshing beetroot salad, can create a meal that’s comforting and well-rounded. This soup also shares a delightful similarity with the Italian Trippa Alla Romana and can easily find a place in an ambitious multi-course menu or act as a standalone dish for an amiable family supper.
Try this hearty soup at home; it’s guaranteed to warm your belly and soul. A profound flavor experience lies ahead in this humble dish of Beef Tripe Soup.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of beef tripe
- 1 large marrow bone
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks of celery, chopped
- 10 cups of water
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/3 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup of chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
Method
Step One
Begin by thoroughly washing and cleaning the beef tripe. After this, put it in a large pot alongside the marrow bone. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery.
Step Two
Next, add water to the pot. The water quantity should be enough to cover all the ingredients in the pot. Throw in the minced garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Proceed to bring the mixture to a boil.
Step Three
Once the mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cover the pot partially and let it cook for about 2-3 hours. The tripe should become tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
Step Four
At this point, remove the tripe and the marrow bone from the soup. Allow them to cool, then cut the tripe into bite-sized pieces and remove the marrow from the bone. Return these to the soup.
Step Five
Add the chopped fresh parsley, dill, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to the soup, then stir. Allow this mixture to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
Step Six
While the soup is simmering, melt butter in a small pan. Add flour to the butter and stir until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually add this mixture to the soup, stirring constantly to avoid creating lumps.
Step Seven
Continue to let the soup simmer for another few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, and your Beef Tripe Soup is ready to serve. Enjoy it warm!
