Sour soup

Potroace Soup: A Traditional Delicacy Full of Flavor and History

Potroace soup is a recipe that brings to mind family meals and the warmth of home cooking. This rich and comforting soup is not just a simple broth, but a true explosion of flavors and textures, bringing together simple yet characterful ingredients. With a deep-rooted history in culinary tradition, potroace soup is often associated with festive moments and exceptional hospitality. Get ready to discover the secrets of this delicious recipe!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 500 g pieces of free-range chicken (preferably thighs, wings, and neck)
- 400 g chicken gizzards
- 3 carrots
- 1/2 celery
- 1 piece of parsnip
- 1 piece of parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 liters water
- 20 black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons rice
- 1 liter sour cabbage juice
- 2 egg yolks
- 200 g sour cream
- Lovage leaves (fresh or dried, as preferred)

Steps for preparing potroace soup:

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by thoroughly washing the pieces of chicken. This will help remove impurities and the strong flavor of meat. After washing, let the meat drain or pat it dry with absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess water.

2. Blanching the gizzards:
Gizzards require blanching to become more tender. Place them in a pot of boiling water and leave them for 1-2 minutes. Then, drain them well. This step not only helps clean the gizzards but also removes the strong flavor.

3. Boiling the soup base:
In a large pot, add 4 liters of water along with the salt and bring it to a boil. When the water starts boiling, add the pieces of meat and gizzards. Let everything boil, skimming as necessary. This is an essential step to achieve a clear and tasty soup.

4. Adding the vegetables:
While boiling, peel and wash the vegetables. Grate them using a large grater. After about 30-40 minutes of boiling the meat, add the grated vegetables and peppercorns. Let them boil together with the meat to infuse the flavor.

5. Including the rice:
About 10-15 minutes before you consider the soup ready, add the well-washed rice. The rice will help thicken the soup and provide a pleasant texture.

6. Adding the sour cabbage juice:
In a small pot, heat the sour cabbage juice. When it starts boiling, carefully pour it over the soup. Let the soup boil for a few more moments to blend the flavors.

7. Finalizing the soup:
In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with the egg yolks. To prevent the sour cream from curdling, take a ladle of soup and gradually add it to the sour cream mixture, stirring constantly. Then, pour the entire mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring continuously to achieve a uniform consistency.

8. Adding the lovage:
Finally, add the lovage leaves, cover the pot, and let the flavors meld for a few minutes. Lovage adds a fresh taste and a finishing touch to the soup.

9. Serving:
Serve the soup hot, alongside spicy peppers and a slice of homemade bread. It is a perfect dish for chilly days, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.

Practical tips:

- Enhancing the flavor: You can add a few bay leaves for a more complex taste if desired. Depending on your preferences, you can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to achieve the desired intensity.

- Variations: If you like a spicier soup, you can add chopped hot peppers during boiling. You can also experiment with other vegetables such as zucchini or potatoes, depending on what you have on hand.

- Alternative serving: This soup pairs excellently with a fresh summer salad or warm polenta. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine can perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional information:
Potroace soup is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken and gizzards, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. A bowl of soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream added. This is a healthy choice, full of nutrients and ideal for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- How long can I keep potroace soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for later consumption.

- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can replace chicken with pork or beef, but the cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat used.

- Is potroace soup suitable for vegans?
This recipe is traditional and contains meat, but you can adapt it using vegetables and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

Potroace soup is more than just a simple dish; it is a serving of tradition, love, and warmth served in every bowl. So, put on your chef's clothes and enjoy every step of the cooking process! Bon appétit!