Country-style chicken soup with yogurt and garlic

Country Chicken Borscht with Yogurt and Garlic

Welcome to the delicious world of traditional dishes! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a country chicken borscht with yogurt and garlic, a comforting dish that combines the natural flavors of fresh vegetables with the richness of chicken meat. This recipe is perfect for a family meal or to impress your guests.

Preparation Time
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 6

Ingredients
- 800 g boneless chicken thighs and breasts
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (preferably palm oil)
- 4 large carrots
- 1 large celery
- 3 bell peppers (preferably a mix of colors)
- 2 zucchini
- 2 large parsley roots
- 1 large red onion (or 3 smaller ones)
- 5 large potatoes
- A bunch of dill
- A bunch of parsley
- A bunch of lovage
- 400 g yogurt
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 kg fresh borscht
- 5 large garlic cloves
- Salt to taste

A Brief History
Country borscht is a dish that has traversed generations, bringing with it traditions and stories from the daily life of the Romanian peasant. It was often prepared with seasonal ingredients and whatever was available in the household. Borscht is often associated with moments of conviviality, enjoyed with loved ones, and is a symbol of hospitality.

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
The first step in making a perfect borscht is to ensure that all the ingredients are ready. Here are some useful tips:

1. Washing the meat: Rinse the chicken well under cold running water to remove any impurities.
2. Cutting the vegetables: Cut the carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, and parsley into large cubes suitable for a soup. This not only adds texture but also an appetizing presentation.
3. Onion: Cut the large red onion into cubes or slices, depending on preference. This will add sweetness to the borscht.
4. Greens: Chop the greens (dill, parsley, lovage) finely to add at the end, providing a fresh and vibrant taste.

Step 2: Cooking the Borscht
Now that you have all the ingredients prepared, it's time to start cooking.

1. In a large pot, add 1/2 cup of water and the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
2. Add the chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, parsley, and onion) and some of the greens.
3. Place the chopped chicken in the pot, then add water until all the ingredients are covered.
4. If you have a ZEPTER pot, cooking will be quicker, but generally, the borscht will boil in about an hour.

Practical tip: If you use free-range chicken, it may take a little longer to cook, so check to ensure it is well done.

Step 3: Tempering the Borscht
Once the meat is well cooked, it's time to temper the borscht.

1. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the yogurt. It is important that the yogurt is at room temperature to avoid curdling.
2. Using a ladle, take some of the hot borscht and gradually add it to the yogurt and egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously. This will help temper the mixture, preventing curdling.
3. Once the yogurt mixture has warmed slightly, pour it back into the pot.
4. Add the crushed garlic using a garlic press and adjust the taste with salt as desired.

Step 4: Finalizing
Let the borscht simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. Then, add the remaining fresh greens on top and cover the pot to allow the flavors to develop.

Serving Suggestions
Country borscht is delicious served with a slice of fresh bread or warm polenta. You can also accompany it with a glass of dry white wine or homemade plum brandy to add a touch of authenticity.

Nutritional Benefits
This chicken borscht is an excellent source of protein from the meat, vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as probiotics from yogurt. The borscht is also low in calories, making it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace chicken with pork or beef, but the cooking time will change.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
You can experiment with vegetables like pumpkin, green beans, or even peas.

3. Is it possible to make the borscht vegetarian?
Sure! You can omit the meat and use a vegetable borscht, adding more vegetables and spices to intensify the flavors.

4. How do I store the borscht?
The borscht can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can be frozen for later consumption, but it is recommended not to add the yogurt before freezing.

Possible Variations
- Borscht with sour cream: You can replace yogurt with sour cream for a richer taste.
- Borscht with smoked meat: Add some cubes of smoked meat for a more intense flavor.
- Spicy borscht: If you like spicy food, add chili peppers during cooking.

Country chicken borscht with yogurt and garlic is more than just a simple recipe. It is an invitation to explore culinary traditions and bring a touch of warmth to every meal. So, prepare your ingredients, gather your family, and enjoy this delicacy together!