Ukrainian Beef Broth with Dropped Dumplings (Rosil z Halushkamy)
Overview
Ukrainian Beef Broth with Dropped Dumplings, known as Rosil z Halushkamy, is a traditional dish deeply rooted in Ukrainian culinary heritage. This hearty broth is infused with robust flavors from beef and chicken bones, complemented by tender dropped dumplings that poach to perfection in the simmering liquid. Ideal for celebrations like name days in Ukraine, this recipe combines simplicity with rich taste, making it a cherished part of Ukrainian cuisine.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef chuck | 2 lbs |
| Chicken necks | 1 lb |
| Chicken backs | 2 |
| Onions | 2, large |
| Carrots | 2 |
| Turnips | 2 |
| Celery ribs | 2 |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Peppercorns | 6 |
| Egg | 1 |
| Butter | 1/3 cup |
| Farina | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Dill | For garnish |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Chicken liver | 1 |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
For the Broth:
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Prepare the Meat: Brown the beef chuck and chicken necks in a heavy kettle or pressure cooker to enhance flavor.
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Add Aromatic Vegetables: Peel and halve the onions, then brown them along with the meat for added depth and color.
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Simmer with Vegetables: Cut the carrots, turnips, and celery ribs in half and add them to the kettle or pressure cooker.
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Infuse with Flavor: Cover the ingredients with cold water, then add bay leaf and peppercorns to impart aromatic flavors.
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Cook Until Tender: Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer for several hours on the stovetop until the meat is tender, or cook in a pressure cooker according to manufacturer’s instructions until the meat is soft and flavorful.
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Chill and Skim: Once cooked, pour the broth into jars and allow it to cool. Reserve the meat for other uses and skim off any fat that solidifies on the surface when chilled.
For the Dumplings:
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Prepare the Dumpling Batter: Separate the egg and cream the egg yolks with butter in a 2-cup bowl.
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Mix Ingredients: Add farina, salt, and ground black pepper to the bowl, mixing well until all ingredients are combined thoroughly.
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Beat Egg White: In a separate bowl, beat the egg white until bubbly, then gently fold it into the batter mixture.
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Adjust Consistency: If the batter seems too runny, gradually add more farina until it reaches a thicker consistency. Allow the mixture to stand for a few minutes to let the ingredients meld.
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Cook the Dumplings: Bring 2 cups of the prepared beef broth to a light boil in a large pot.
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Form and Drop Dumplings: Using a soup spoon dipped in cold water to prevent sticking, scoop up a small amount of batter and gently drop it into the boiling broth. Repeat until all the batter is used, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
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Simmer Until Done: Let the dumplings simmer in the broth until they rise to the surface and swell, indicating they are cooked through.
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Assemble the Dish: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked dumplings from the broth and transfer them to a large soup tureen.
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Serve: To serve, pour hot beef broth over the dumplings in the tureen. Garnish with fresh dill springs for a vibrant finish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is traditionally served hot, making it perfect for warming up during colder weather or for special occasions. The combination of hearty beef broth and delicate dropped dumplings ensures a satisfying meal that is both comforting and flavorful.
Additional Notes
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Name Days in Ukrainian Culture: In Ukraine, name days are celebrated more prominently than birthdays, often coinciding with the feast days of saints or the day a person was named after a saint. This dish, with its rich history and comforting flavors, is often prepared for such celebrations, adding a touch of tradition and festivity to the occasion.
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Cooking Tips: When browning the meat and vegetables, ensure they develop a deep, caramelized color to enhance the richness of the broth. Adjust the seasoning of the dumpling batter to your preference, balancing the flavors with the savory broth.
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Storage: Leftover broth can be stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Conclusion
Ukrainian Beef Broth with Dropped Dumplings (Rosil z Halushkamy) is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary journey through Ukrainian traditions and flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a name day or simply craving a comforting bowl of soup, this dish promises to satisfy with its hearty broth and light, fluffy dumplings. Embrace the flavors of Ukraine with this timeless recipe, perfect for bringing warmth and joy to any gathering.
