Chicken heart and gizzard soup

Chicken Hearts and Gizzards Soup

Chicken hearts and gizzards soup is a traditional dish, full of flavor and consistency, combining the delicacy of poultry meat with the aroma of fresh vegetables. Although I initially wanted to make a creamy dish, I decided to transform the recipe into a soup to add a touch of freshness and make it more accessible for all family members. In the following, I will guide you step by step in preparing this delicious soup.

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

Ingredients:
- 300 g chicken hearts
- 300 g chicken gizzards
- 400 g mixed soup vegetables (leeks, green onions, carrots, green beans, peas, parsnips, celery) - you can also use fresh vegetables if you prefer
- 2 eggs (only the yolks)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 allspice berry (optional, for a more complex flavor)
- Iodized salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs for serving (dill or parsley)
- Vinegar or lemon juice for serving

Preparation:

1. Boiling the hearts and gizzards:
- Wash the chicken hearts and gizzards well under cold running water. Place them in a large pot, add enough water to cover them and a teaspoon of salt.
- Boil them over medium heat for 35 minutes. It is important to remove the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear and tasty broth.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
- Meanwhile, place another pot of water to boil. Add your mixed (or fresh) vegetables and a teaspoon of salt. Boil the vegetables for 20 minutes over medium heat until they become tender. These will add a delicious taste and a pleasant texture to the soup.

3. Combining the ingredients:
- After the hearts and gizzards are boiled, remove them from the broth and chop them into small pieces. Add them to the pot with the boiled vegetables, along with the broth they were boiled in.
- Season with salt, pepper, bay leaf, and allspice berry. Let everything simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine perfectly.

4. Finishing the soup:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sour cream. It is important to do this with a whisk to achieve a smooth emulsion.
- Once the soup has boiled, turn off the heat and add the egg and sour cream mixture, stirring quickly to avoid curdling the yolks. This step will give the soup a creamy consistency and a rich taste.

5. Serving:
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with finely chopped fresh herbs. You can add vinegar or lemon juice, to taste, for an extra touch of acidity that will balance the rich flavors of the dish.

Practical Tips:

- Frozen vs. Fresh Vegetables: If you choose frozen vegetables, make sure they are of high quality. Fresh vegetables provide a more intense flavor and a more pleasant texture. You can use fresh carrots, celery, parsnips, green beans, and peas, depending on the season.

- Flavoring: Allspice is a wonderful spice that adds an exotic note, but you can opt for other seasonings, such as sweet paprika or garlic, according to your preferences.

- Noodle Variation: If you want to transform the soup into a heartier dish, you can add some noodles or pasta. Boil them separately and add them to the soup before serving.

Nutritional Information:

- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use other parts of the poultry?
Yes, you can experiment with other organs or chicken meat, such as liver, which adds a rich flavor to the soup.

- How long does the soup last?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in airtight containers. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

- Is the soup suitable for children?
Yes, it is a healthy and nutritious recipe, but make sure to adjust the spices according to the preferences of the little ones.

Serving Recommendations:

This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or warm polenta. You can also accompany the soup with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade, which will complement the rich flavors of the dish.

In conclusion, chicken hearts and gizzards soup is not just a comforting dish but also a recipe that brings the family together around the table. Enjoy your meal!