Bistrita Soup

Bistrita Soup - A Journey into Culinary Traditions

Bistrita soup is one of those recipes that reminds us of the warmth and comfort of home. It is a dish that combines the natural flavors of fresh ingredients with gastronomic tradition, turning each serving into an explosion of tastes and textures. Over the years, this recipe has been spread and adapted, but its essence remains unchanged: a hearty soup, full of vegetables and meat, that warms our souls.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g chicken with bones (thighs or breast)
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 onion
- 70 g rice
- 1 egg
- 200 ml sour cream
- 1 bunch of fresh tarragon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for sautéing the vegetables
- Hot pepper (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparing the ingredients:
1. Start by washing the chicken and cutting it into suitable pieces. Bone-in chicken is essential for obtaining a rich and tasty broth, and olive or sunflower oil will be used to sauté the vegetables.
2. Clean the vegetables: wash the carrots and parsley root well and cut them into thin rounds, and chop the onion finely.
3. Wash the rice under cold running water to remove excess starch, which will help achieve a clearer soup.

Cooking the soup:
1. In a large pot, add the chicken and fill with enough water to cover the ingredients well. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil.
2. Once the water starts to boil, skim off the foam using a skimmer, removing impurities to achieve a clear soup.
3. After removing the foam, add the vegetables (carrots, parsley, and onion) and let simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. This time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.
4. When the vegetables are almost cooked, add the washed rice. It will absorb the soup's juices and provide a pleasant texture.

Finishing the soup:
1. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the sour cream until it becomes a homogeneous mixture. Add a ladle of hot soup to the egg and sour cream mixture, stirring quickly to avoid curdling the egg.
2. When the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and add the egg and sour cream mixture to the soup, stirring gently. Add the chopped tarragon, salt, and pepper to taste. The tarragon adds a fresh and aromatic note that will elevate the dish to another level.
3. You can sour the soup with lemon, vinegar, or tomato juice, depending on your preferences.

Serving and suggestions:
Serve the Bistrita soup hot, sprinkled with a little fresh tarragon on top. A slice of homemade bread or croutons can make this dish even more delicious. Don’t forget to offer a hot pepper on the side for those who want a spicier taste.

Practical tips:
- Use bone-in chicken for a richer flavor. Chicken thighs are ideal, but you can also use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat.
- If you want to enhance the aroma, you can add a few peppercorns or bay leaves during cooking.
- You can vary the recipe by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers or potatoes, depending on the season and preferences.
- If you have leftover soup, you can keep it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for later consumption.

Nutritional benefits:
Bistrita soup is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken, and the vegetables provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. A serving of soup is relatively low in calories, having about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can Bistrita soup be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the meat with soy or mushrooms and use vegetable broth to achieve a delicious and healthy version.
- How can I make the soup spicier?
By adding fresh hot peppers or chili flakes during cooking, you will intensify the soup's flavor.
- Can I use brown rice?
Of course, using brown rice can add an extra nutritional note, but the cooking time will be longer, so keep that in mind.

Bistrita soup is more than just a dish; it is a recipe that brings the family together at the table and evokes pleasant memories. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the warmth it brings to your soul! Bon appétit!