Ciorbă de legume – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
Romania Servings: Serves 6
Romania Servings: Serves 6Ciorbă de legume is a classic Romanian vegetable soup, rich in vitamins and flavors, known for its refreshing tanginess and vibrant medley of vegetables. This nourishing dish has roots deeply embedded in Romanian culinary tradition and is often enjoyed as a comforting starter or a light meal. Its origin lies in the use of local, seasonal vegetables, transformed into a hearty soup with the distinct tang from fermented bran, otherwise known as ‘bors’.
Ingredients
- olive oil – 2 tbsp / 30 ml
- onion, chopped – 1 medium / 150 g
- carrots, diced – 2 medium / 140 g
- celery stalks, diced – 2 stalks / 120 g
- bell pepper, chopped – 1 medium / 120 g
- potatoes, cubed – 3 medium / 450 g
- cabbage, shredded – 1/2 small / 200 g
- tomatoes, chopped – 2 large / 300 g
- vegetable broth – 6 cups / 1.4 liters
- bors (or lemon juice) – 1 cup / 240 ml
- parsley, chopped – 1/4 cup / 15 g
- dill, chopped – 1/4 cup / 15 g
- salt and pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in cubed potatoes to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add shredded cabbage and chopped tomatoes, mixing well with the other vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
- Add bors (or lemon juice) to taste, adjusting the soup’s tanginess.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and dill, and season the soup with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Substitutions
- olive oil -> sunflower oil
- bors -> apple cider vinegar plus additional water
- vegetable broth -> chicken broth
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Add root vegetables like parsnips for additional sweetness.
- Include legumes such as beans or lentils for more protein and texture.
- Use homemade bors for authenticity if available.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
