Soup with Homemade Dumplings (“Frecăţei”)

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Ingredients:

For the soup:

• 8 cups of water
• 500 g beef
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• ½ parsley root
• ½ celery root
• 1 bay leaf
• Sea salt, to taste
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (dill and parsley)

For the dumplings (“frecăţei”):

• 1 cup wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1–2 tablespoons water
• Sea salt

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Preparation:

1. Making the soup:
Rinse the beef well and cut into bite-sized pieces. Place the meat in a pot with 8 cups of cold water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Skim off the foam to achieve a clear broth. Once foaming stops, season with salt and add the bay leaf, then continue simmering on low until the beef is almost tender.

Meanwhile, peel and cut the carrot and parsley root into cubes or thin strips. The onion may be left whole or halved, as you prefer. Add these vegetables along with the diced celery root to the pot and cook until all ingredients are fully tender. Finish by stirring in cracked black pepper and part of the chopped fresh herbs, reserving the rest for garnish.

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2. Preparing the dumplings:
In a bowl, combine the flour, egg, a pinch of salt, and gradually add 1–2 tablespoons of water. Mix until you obtain a smooth, firm dough. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rest for 25–30 minutes. Then, using a coarse grater or by rubbing small pieces of dough between your fingers, form tiny dumplings. Spread them on a floured tray and let them dry slightly before adding to the soup.

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3. Finishing the soup:
Add the dumplings to the simmering soup and cook on low for an additional 5–7 minutes, until they are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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4. Serving:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining chopped fresh herbs. Serve hot, accompanied by fresh bread or croutons for extra flavor.

Suggestions:
For a more intense taste, stir in a little crushed garlic at the end. The dumplings may be prepared in advance, stored in a cool, dry place. Poftă bună!

What are “frecăţei” and how are they made?
Frecăţei are small pieces of dough made from flour, egg, and water, formed by hand or grated. They lightly dry before cooking in the soup, adding body and a delicious taste.

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Why simmer the meat on low heat?
Simmering on low heat slowly releases the meat’s flavors and nutrients, keeping the broth clear and preventing excessive foam.

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What are the benefits of adding a bay leaf?
The bay leaf imparts a subtle, earthy flavor that balances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds complexity to the soup.

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How do you achieve a clear soup?
Constantly remove the foam during cooking and avoid heavy stirring. Starting with cold water helps extract flavors gradually and maintain clarity.

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Why let the dumpling dough rest?
Resting allows the flour’s gluten to relax, making the dough easier to shape and giving the dumplings a better texture after cooking.

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How can you prepare dumplings ahead of time?
After forming, let the dumplings dry completely at room temperature, then store in an airtight container. They’re ready for quick use whenever needed.

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What other vegetables can you add?
In addition to carrot and parsley root, you can include celery, bell pepper, or zucchini to diversify flavor and boost nutrition.

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How do you balance the seasoning?
Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting after each addition. Finish with fresh herbs for a burst of freshness and flavor.

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What role do fresh herbs play?
Herbs like dill and parsley brighten the soup’s taste and balance the vegetables’ sweetness, as well as enhance its visual appeal.

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How do you serve this soup attractively?
Present the hot soup in ceramic bowls, garnish with fresh chopped herbs, and accompany with croutons or a slice of fresh bread for added elegance and savor.