Kosovar Tripe Soup
Shpnesë
A hearty and flavorful tripe soup, often considered a comfort food and sometimes used as a hangover remedy. It features tender tripe simmered with vegetables and seasoned with paprika and garlic.

🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Beef tripe
- 1 cup White kidney beans(soaked overnight)
- 1 lb Cassava(peeled and cubed)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper
- 4 heads Bok choy(whites and greens separated)
- 5 stalks Green onions(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(2 crushed, 1 grated)
- 2-3 stems Fresh thyme
- 4 head Cilantro(finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 2 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1.5 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1 half Lime(for cleaning tripe)
- 2 tbsp Flour(for cleaning tripe)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil(for roasting pepper)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the white kidney beans: Soak them overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse. Place in a pot with boiling water, add 1/2 tsp salt, and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Prepare the red bell pepper: Cut in half, remove seeds. Brush with olive oil and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Peel off the skin, then blend with 2 cups of water until smooth. Set aside.
- 3
Prepare the tripe: Wash thoroughly in warm water. Rub with flour and lime juice, then rinse well. Place in a pot with 4 cups of water, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 bay leaf, and the tripe. Cook for 20-40 minutes until desired tenderness.
- 4
Start the soup: In a large pot, add 4-6 cups of hot water. Add the cubed cassava, 1/2 of the chopped onions, 1/2 of the chopped green onions, thyme stems, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook until cassava is tender.
- 5
Add the bok choy (heads first, then the leafy parts), the remaining chopped onions and green onions. Add 1/2 tsp more salt, 1/2 tsp more black pepper, and the smoked paprika. Stir in the blended red bell pepper mixture. Cook for 5-10 minutes.
- 6
Add the cooked tripe and the cooked white kidney beans to the soup. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- 7
Stir in the grated garlic and chopped cilantro. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the tripe is thoroughly cleaned to remove any impurities.
- ✓Adjust salt and pepper to your personal preference.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a piece of smoked meat to the soup while it simmers.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some variations include adding other vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
- A touch of chili flakes can be added for a spicy kick.