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Tangy Traditional Romanian Sorrel Soup

Ciorbă de măcriș — bright, lemony sorrel simmered with potatoes and onion, then finished with a swirl of sour cream. A traditional Romanian soup that tastes like home in a warm bowl.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Romanian
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh sorrel leaves, washed and chopped
  • 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice optional
  • Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
  • Add the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped sorrel and lemon juice and cook 5 minutes more, until the sorrel is wilted.
  • If desired, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your preferred consistency, or leave it chunky.
  • Temper the sour cream with a little hot broth, then stir it into the pot. Season to taste, garnish with fresh dill, and serve hot.