Styrian sour soup facts for kids

Styrian sour soup (Slovene: Štajerska kisla juha) is a special and tasty sour soup from a region called Lower Styria in Slovenia. It's known for its unique tangy flavor. This soup is a popular dish, especially during celebrations.

A Taste of History

Styrian sour soup has a long history in Slovenia. It was a very important dish at a traditional event called koline. This event was a big celebration for communities.

The soup became famous for being served at late-night parties. People often enjoyed it after midnight at weddings. It was a warm and comforting meal after a long day of festivities.

How to Make This Soup

Styrian sour soup is often made during the koline celebration. It uses parts of pork, like the feet and pieces of the head. These parts give the soup a rich flavor.

The soup is seasoned with many herbs and spices. These include onions, garlic, marjoram, thyme, parsley, black pepper, and salt. To give it its sour taste, apple or wine vinegar is added.

Cooking Steps

First, the meat and vegetables for the soup base are cut into pieces. They are then boiled in salted water with the herbs. This helps the meat become very tender.

Next, potatoes are cut into pieces and added to the soup. This happens after the meat has softened. The potatoes cook until they are soft too.

To make the soup thick and creamy, sour cream or sour milk and flour are mixed in. The soup continues to cook until all the ingredients are soft and well blended. Finally, a bit more vinegar is added at the end for that perfect tangy kick.

Different Ways to Prepare It

Sometimes, the meat is boiled in one large piece instead of small ones. After it's cooked, it's cut into smaller pieces. These meat pieces are then added to the soup only when the vegetables and potatoes are ready. This can make the meat even more tender.