Chicken borscht

Chicken Borscht - A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Chicken borscht is a classic recipe loved by many generations, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort on chilly days. This dish is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it ideal for boosting the immune system. Moreover, it is an excellent way to use simple ingredients to create a hearty and healthy meal for the whole family.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 liter of water
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 onion
- 1 piece of celery (approximately 100 g)
- A handful of noodles (approximately 100 g)
- 500 ml of borscht (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (optional, for extra flavor)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Wild thyme (approximately 1-2 sprigs)
- Fresh lovage (for garnish and flavor)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken breast
Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. Then, in a large pot, boil the chicken breast in 1 liter of water, adding a teaspoon of salt. It is important to remove the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear and tasty borscht. Let it boil for about 20 minutes until the meat is well cooked.

2. Boiling the vegetables
After the chicken breast has boiled, remove it from the pot and let it cool. In the same water, add the whole vegetables: onion, carrot, parsnip, and celery. Let the vegetables boil for 20-30 minutes. They will impart a wonderful flavor to your borscht, and you will remove them from the soup later.

3. Adding the noodles
Once the vegetables have boiled, remove them from the pot and add a handful of noodles, pepper, and a few sprigs of wild thyme to the soup. The noodles will add a pleasant texture and make the borscht heartier. Let everything boil for 5 minutes until the noodles become soft.

4. Preparing the borscht
Separately, boil the borscht in another pot. This is the secret ingredient that will turn the borscht into a tangy and savory dish. If you like your borscht more sour, feel free to add more borscht according to your taste.

5. Finishing the dish
When the noodles are ready, add the diced chicken breast to the pot. Then, pour in the boiled borscht and stir gently. Let everything simmer on low heat for a few minutes so the flavors can meld.

6. Serving
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh lovage on top of the borscht. Lovage will add a fresh note and an unmistakable aroma. Serve the borscht hot, alongside toasted bread and a spoonful of sour cream, which will provide a creamy and delicious contrast.

Serving suggestions and variations
Chicken borscht can be customized according to your preferences. You can add diced potatoes for a heartier borscht or experiment with different types of meat, such as veal or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version. You can also add herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits
Chicken borscht is an excellent source of protein, vitamins (especially vitamin A from carrots and vitamin C from greens), and essential minerals. It is also low in calories, making it an ideal choice for a light meal. A serving of chicken borscht contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the added ingredients.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use store-bought borscht?
Yes, you can use store-bought borscht, but it is important to choose a quality product without added preservatives.

2. How can I store the borscht?
Borscht keeps well in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 3-4 days. You can freeze portions to consume later.

3. What other recipes go well with chicken borscht?
Chicken borscht pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or warm polenta, and a glass of white wine or cold lemonade completes the meal perfectly.

So, get ready to enjoy a warm and flavorful chicken borscht that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a sense of well-being on chillier days. Enjoy your meal!