Do you know what "socată" is? Here is the traditional Romanian recipe to prepare this excellent refreshing elderberry drink.
@wytrazekpiotr/123rf
Elderberry delights us with its scent and is also excellent in the kitchen to prepare syrups, pancakes, herbal teas and other delicacies. In Romania, one is obtained from its flowers really good refreshing drink that takes the name of "Socată".
The name derives from the term “soc”, which means elderberry, there are several recipes and we offer you the traditional version based on elderflower, organic lemons and natural water, proposed by the AdeLina's Kitchen youtube channel.
The variations of the recipe are similar, there are those who prefer to add more or less sugar, those who replace it with honey, those who still use lime instead of lemon or without the peel. But the basic procedure, which involves leaving the drink for 2-3 days in the sun, is always the same.
Socată: the traditional Romanian recipe
On the AdeLina's Kitchen youtube channel, the recipe is explained step by step. Here are the ingredients you need:
- 10-12 elderberry flowers;
- 2 lemons bio;
- 300 grams of sugar (replace the white one with brown sugar) or honey;
- 4 liters of still water;
- raisins.
Collect the fresh elderberry flowers and wash them, in a glass jar add the honey or sugar (opt for the whole cane one) and the plain water, mixing well with a wooden spoon.
Slice the lemons and squeeze one to get the juice. Arrange the elderberry flowers (only the flowers) in a carafe or in a large glass jar, add the lemon slices and, if desired, a little raisins (but it is not essential). Pour in the sugared water and mix the mixture.
Cover the jar with gauze by tying it with an elastic band or place a plate or a small container on top. Let the drink sit in a sunny place for 2-4 days, stirring about 2-3 times a day.
Now the drink is ready to be filtered and drunk! You can keep it in the refrigerator.
Socată: variants and tricks
@wytrazekpiotr/123rf
There are those who prefer to use sliced lemons by depriving them of the peel and those who do not add the juice. Also, as far as sugar is concerned, you can replace it with honey and moderate the doses. 6-7 spoons for 3 liters of water can be enough if you don't like too sweet drinks.
Remember that light and heat are essential for the success of the recipe, which must remain in the sun for at least 24-48 hours. And it is the same It is important that the container in which you prepare it is made of transparent glass. Do not seal it and do not close it with lids, just lay a piece of fabric on it, keeping it locked with an elastic, or place a saucer on it.
Read also:
- Elderflower: recipes, how to use them in cooking and how to store them
- Elderberry: the fantastic healing properties, uses, recipes and contraindications
