Prepare all the ingredients: rinse the ribs under cold water and dry with a paper towel; drain the cabbage from the brine and if it is very sour, rinse it briefly under cold water, then squeeze it with your hands. Peel the onions and cut them in half, then slice each half into feathers. Peel the carrot and parsley and cut them in half lengthwise, then slice into 0.5 cm thick pieces. Peel the celery and cut it into cubes or slices. Peel the garlic and finely chop it. Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl and cover with about 200 ml of warm, but not boiling water — they will soak while preparing the meat.
Description
Goral sour soup is a traditional, warming soup from the mountainous regions of Poland, based on sauerkraut and aromatic meat broth. In this version, I added pork ribs for a full, meaty base and dried porcini mushrooms, which enhance the flavor with a hint of forest depth and umami. The soup is hearty, sour-salty, with a distinct aroma of marjoram and garlic; it pairs wonderfully with rustic bread or baked potatoes. Perfect for winter days — nourishing, aromatic, and visually appealing: pieces of ribs against the golden broth and chunks of cabbage, sprinkled with fresh parsley (optional).
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (17)
- Pork rib 800 g
- Sauerkraut 800 g
- Dried porcini mushroom 20 g
- Water 2500 ml
- Onion 2 szt. (~300 g)
- Carrot 2.5 szt. (~200 g)
- Celeriac 150 g
- Lard 30 g
- Garlic 2 ząbki (~10 g)
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Parsley 100 g
- Marjoram 4 g
- Bay leaf 6.7 szt. (~2 g)
- Allspice (berries) 3 szt. (~3 g)
- Salt 8 g
- Black pepper 4 szczypty (~2 g)
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Potatoes 2 szt. (~300 g)
- 18% cream 100 ml
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Preparation steps
Preparing the ingredients
Broth
In a large pot (minimum 5 l), place the ribs and cover with 2.5 liters of cold water. Set over high heat and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat and carefully skim off the foam (white scum and impurities) with a slotted spoon. It is important for the broth to be clear.
After skimming, add a bay leaf and allspice to the pot along with one chopped onion (half of the reserves). Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the broth partially covered for 60 minutes. The broth should only be gently bubbling (small, even bubbles).
Sautéing the vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the lard over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (the second half), carrot, parsley, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden, and the carrot softens at the edges. The sautéed vegetables will add sweetness and color to the soup.
Adding porcini mushrooms
When the vegetables are translucent, drain the soaked porcini mushrooms, keeping the soaking water (pour through a sieve lined with cheesecloth or a fine sieve to separate the sand). Cut larger pieces of the mushrooms into smaller ones. Add the mushrooms to the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes to release their aroma, then transfer the contents of the pan to the pot with the broth.
Combining ingredients
Add the sautéed vegetables with porcini mushrooms and the drained and squeezed sauerkraut to the pot with the broth and ribs. If you are using potatoes (optional), peel them and cut them into 2 cm cubes and add them now. Season with marjoram, pepper, and pour in about 150–200 ml of the water from soaking the porcini mushrooms for a more intense flavor. Bring to a gentle boil.
Cooking
Reduce the heat and simmer the soup on low for another 40–50 minutes, until the meat on the ribs is tender and pulls away from the bone, and the potatoes (if added) are soft. The broth should be gently simmering — with single bubbles and an even temperature.
Finishing
Five minutes before the end of cooking, add finely chopped garlic and salt to taste (it's best to add it gradually). Taste the soup and season with pepper. Remove the bay leaves and allspice before serving.
Serving
Serve the sour soup hot: place a piece of rib (or two) at the bottom of the plate, add a portion of cabbage, and generously pour over the broth with pieces of vegetables and mushrooms. If desired, add a tablespoon of tempered sour cream and sprinkle with freshly ground pepper. Optional garnish: freshly chopped parsley.
Final tips
If the soup is too sour after cooling, neutralize it with a teaspoon of sugar or a bit of natural yogurt. The sour soup can also be reheated — often the flavors meld together and the soup becomes even better the next day.
Fun Fact
Kwaśnica is a soup associated with the culture of Polish highlanders, traditionally served after hard work in the mountains — the sour cabbage provided energy and lasted long without refrigeration. The addition of dried mushrooms was a luxury in winter and highlighted the seasonality of the dishes.
Best for
Tips
Serve with thick country bread, baked potatoes, or dumplings. For a milder flavor, add a tablespoon of sour cream before serving. For extra heat, sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw slowly in the refrigerator, then heat over low heat. While reheating, add water if the soup has thickened.
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