Romanian Food: Bors

Jump to delicious Romanian bors recipe!

What is the Romanian dish Bors?

The Romanian borș is a beguiling, sour soup that’s a world away from the clear beetroot soup of Slavic borscht, despite its name. Belonging to the expansive and diverse ciorbă family of Romanian dishes, it’s a soup that’s steeped in rich, complex flavors.

At the heart of this dish is the eponymous ingredient – a fermented broth made from wheat or barley brans, that imbues the soup with a sour, piquant taste that’s impossible to forget. Each bowl of borș is a veritable cornucopia of flavors, with a vast array of ingredients like meats, vegetables and fish available to be added to this highly versatile soup.

The most popular iteration of this soup features tender, juicy pork meatballs, but in Romania, there’s a saying that whatever’s in the pantry, goes in the pot. No matter what ingredients are used, each bowl of borș is served with a crisp, fresh flourish of chopped parsley and a dollop of creamy, tangy sour cream that heightens the sour notes of the soup.

What are the origins and history of the Romanian dish Bors?

The exact history of the Romanian dish “Bors” is not well documented, but it is believed to have roots in the country’s culinary traditions that date back centuries. Romanian cuisine has been influenced by various cultures and cuisines throughout history, including Ottoman, Slavic, and Austro-Hungarian, which have all contributed to the development of dishes like Bors.

As a type of ciorbă soup, Bors likely evolved from a tradition of sour soups that were popular in Romania for their ability to preserve food during warm months when refrigeration was not available. The use of fermented wheat or barley brans to create the eponymous ingredient in Bors is also likely a nod to the long history of fermented foods in Romanian cuisine.

Overall, Bors is a classic example of the rich and diverse culinary traditions that have been developed in Romania over the centuries.

What are some dishes from other countries that are similar to the Romanian dish Bors?

There are several dishes from different countries that are similar to the Romanian dish “Bors.” Some of the closest culinary counterparts include:

• Polish Żurek: This is a sour rye soup that’s made with fermented rye flour and served with boiled potatoes, sausage, and hard-boiled eggs.
• Ukrainian Borscht: A popular beetroot soup that’s made with either beef or pork broth, beets, cabbage, potatoes, and various other vegetables.
• Russian Okroshka: A cold soup made with kvass, a fermented drink made from rye bread, along with boiled potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and boiled eggs.
• Bulgarian Tarator: A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, which is often served as a refreshing summer dish.

These dishes share some similarities with Bors, such as the use of sour ingredients and fermented foods, but each also has its own unique flavor profile and preparation methods. Nevertheless, they offer a glimpse into the diverse and rich culinary traditions of the Slavic and Eastern European regions.

Vegetarian & Vegan options

Is the Romanian dish Bors vegetarian? If not, can it be made vegetarian?

The traditional Romanian dish “Bors” is not typically vegetarian, as it is often made with meat and/or fish. However, it can be adapted to be vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of meat broth and replacing the meat with protein-rich vegetarian ingredients like tofu, tempeh, or legumes. Additionally, other vegetarian ingredients like vegetables, potatoes, and sour ingredients like sauerkraut or lemon juice can still be used to add flavor and texture to the soup. With these modifications, it’s possible to make a delicious and satisfying vegetarian version of the Romanian dish “Bors.”

Is the Romanian dish Bors vegan? If not, can it be made vegan?

The traditional Romanian dish “Bors” is typically made with meat and/or fish, and is not considered vegan. However, it can be adapted to be vegan by using plant-based ingredients instead of animal-based ones. For example, the soup can be made with a vegetable broth instead of a meat broth, and plant-based protein sources such as tofu or tempeh can be used instead of meat. Additionally, sour ingredients like sauerkraut or lemon juice can still be used to add a sour flavor to the soup. With these substitutions, it’s possible to create a delicious and satisfying vegan version of the Romanian dish “Bors.”

Bors is a classic Romanian soup that’s made with fermented wheat or barley brans, giving it a distinct sour and slightly pungent flavor. This hearty and flavorful soup is made with a variety of ingredients including meat, vegetables, and fish, making it a versatile and filling meal.

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pound minced pork
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 large potatoes, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup fermented wheat or barley brans
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. In a large pot, brown the minced pork over medium heat until it is cooked through.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and fermented wheat or barley brans to the pot and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and continue to simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve the soup hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped parsley.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 229
  Fat: 9 g
  Carbohydrates: 23 g
  Protein: 16 g
  Fiber: 4 g
  Sodium: 550 mg

Note: This recipe can be easily adapted to be vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and plant-based protein sources instead of meat and sour cream.

More Bors Recipes (in the Romanian language)

Bors de casa, reteta pas cu pas atlasculinar.ro

Bors taranesc cu pui vitrinacuidei.ro

Bors de peste cu orez pofta-buna.com

Bors FAQs:

1. What is Bors? Bors is a traditional Romanian sour soup made from fermented wheat bran, and usually served with meat or sausages.
2. What is the origin of Bors? Bors is a traditional Romanian food that has its roots in the country’s rural, agricultural history. It was originally made as a way to use up leftover ingredients, such as the fermented wheat bran, and has since become a staple food in Romanian cuisine.
3. What are the main ingredients used to make Bors? The main ingredients used to make Bors are fermented wheat bran, meat or sausages, vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, and parsley, and sometimes sour cream or other dairy products.
4. How is Bors typically served? Bors is typically served as a warm soup or stew, either on its own or as a side dish with meat or sausages.
5. Can Bors be made vegetarian or vegan? Yes, Bors can be made vegetarian or vegan by using plant-based ingredients instead of meat or sausages, such as mushrooms or tofu. The fermented wheat bran is still an important ingredient, as it gives the soup its sour flavor.