In the heart of Bihor, where traditions are faithfully preserved and meals are a joyful family gathering, potato soup with smoked sausages and tarragon is a dish that has always had its place on villagers’ tables. This simple yet flavorful recipe reminds us of bygone times, when ingredients were carefully gathered from the garden and sausages were slowly smoked over gentle wood fire.
In the old days, this soup was prepared in large clay pots or heavy cauldrons placed on the hot stove plate, while the aroma of smoked sausages and tarragon filled the entire home. Each ingredient had its well-defined role: finely chopped potatoes simmered slowly, releasing their starch and enriching the soup, while the onion and smoked sausages were lightly sautéed, releasing their rich flavors.
The secret of this soup is tarragon – the aromatic herb that gives a unique taste and a special fragrance. Grandmothers would add it carefully, knowing that it would transform a simple soup into a true delicacy. Fresh cream was stirred in at the end, giving it a velvety consistency and a rich taste, while sometimes a splash of vinegar was added to the soup to offer that tangy note so beloved in the old-time kitchen.
When the soup was ready, every spoonful was a journey back in time – a reminder of peaceful family meals, of stories told around the table, and of the authentic homemade taste. Potato soup with smoked sausages and tarragon remains a classic Bihor recipe, one that warms the soul and reminds us of the beauty of traditional Romanian cuisine.
Potato Soup with Smoked Sausages and Tarragon – Bihor Recipe
This soup is popular in the Bihor region, where tarragon and smoked sausages are often used to create intense flavors and an authentic taste.
Ingredients:
500 g potatoes
200 g smoked sausages
1 onion
1 carrot
1 tablespoon dried or fresh tarragon
200 ml sour cream
1 tablespoon flour (for thickening, optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vinegar or lemon juice, for sourness
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation Method:
Start by sautéing the finely chopped onion and carrot until softened.
Add the sliced smoked sausages and let them sauté lightly.
Add the diced potatoes and pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, allowing them to boil.
In a bowl, mix the sour cream with flour and tarragon, then dilute with a little hot broth from the soup.
Pour the sour cream mixture into the pot and adjust the taste with salt, pepper, and a little vinegar or lemon juice.
Serve the potato soup with smoked sausages and tarragon hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley.
What makes potato soup with smoked sausages and tarragon a recipe specific to Bihor? The soup is representative of Bihor cuisine because of its traditional ingredients, such as smoked sausages, a local delicacy, and tarragon, an aromatic herb frequently used in the region. The combination of sour cream, tarragon, and vinegar adds that specific touch of creaminess and subtle sourness, characteristic of Bihor cooking.
How does tarragon influence the final taste of the soup? Tarragon has an intense fragrance, with slightly anise-like notes, which perfectly complements the smoky flavor of the sausages and the sweetness of the potatoes. It is the key ingredient that transforms this soup into a unique culinary experience.
What is the role of smoked sausages in the recipe? Smoked sausages provide the soup with a deep, rich aroma, specific to traditional cuisine. Through sautéing and simmering, they release fat and spices, which blend into the broth, intensifying the flavor of the dish.
Why is it important to sauté the vegetables before boiling? Sautéing the onion and carrot helps develop their aromas, creating a rich flavor base for the soup. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and contributes to the complexity of the final taste.
How can the recipe be adapted for other dietary preferences? For a vegetarian version, smoked sausages can be replaced with smoked tofu or mushrooms, while the sour cream can be substituted with a plant-based alternative, such as soy or cashew cream. Tarragon remains essential for preserving the character of the recipe.
How can the soup be thickened correctly without forming lumps? Mixing the flour with the sour cream before adding it to the soup is essential. It must be gradually diluted with hot broth from the pot before being poured in, to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
What other vegetables can be added to vary the taste? Celery root, parsnip, or zucchini can be added to enrich the soup’s flavor. Green peas or green beans can also bring extra freshness and texture.
Why is vinegar or lemon juice added to the soup? Vinegar or lemon juice balances the richness of the sausages and sour cream, offering a subtle tangy flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. It is a traditional trick that refreshes the dish.
How can this soup be served to create an authentic Bihor experience? The soup is served hot, with fresh parsley or tarragon sprinkled on top, alongside homemade bread or croutons. A hot chili pepper and a glass of pălincă are often added to complete the traditional atmosphere.
How does this recipe preserve the authenticity of Bihor cuisine? The recipe reflects Bihorean tradition through the use of local ingredients, slow cooking, and the integration of tarragon, sour cream, and smoked sausages. This combination creates a harmony of flavors that recalls the traditional meals of Bihor villages, where every dish is a celebration of authentic taste.
