Garlic Soup - A Flavorful and Comforting Delicacy
Garlic soup, also known as aita soup in some corners of the country, is a traditional recipe that combines the intense taste of garlic with the delicate flavors of vegetables and chicken meat. This soup is not only nourishing but also packed with health benefits, thanks to the properties of garlic, which is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for cool days when you need a warm and comforting bowl.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken back (about 1 kg)
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1 cup of rice
- salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- garlic (4-6 cloves, depending on preference)
- 1 egg yolk
- 5-6 tablespoons of sour cream
- juice from 1 lemon (to taste)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken back well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities. Place the meat in a large pot, add cold water, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Skimming: Once the water starts to boil, foam will appear on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove this foam. This process will help achieve a clearer soup.
3. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and slice the vegetables. Carrots, parsnip, and parsley add sweetness and flavor to the soup. When the meat is skimmed, add the sliced vegetables and salt to taste. Let them simmer on low heat until softened.
4. Cooking the rice: In another pot, rinse the rice well under cold water to remove excess starch. Boil it separately in salted water until soft, then drain.
5. The perfect combination: After the vegetables and meat are cooked, add the cooked rice to the pot with the soup. Let it boil for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Preparing the garlic sauce: In a small pot, heat the oil and, as soon as it gets hot, turn off the heat. Add the sweet paprika and stir quickly to avoid burning it. Then, deglaze with a few ladles of soup broth. Add the crushed garlic, depending on how garlicky you want the soup. Let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes to release the flavors.
7. Finishing the soup: Once the garlic sauce is ready, add it to the pot with the soup. Then, remove the pot from the heat and season the soup with lemon juice to taste, providing a pleasant contrast of acidity.
8. The fine cream: In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolk with the sour cream. Gradually add a few ladles of hot soup to the egg and cream mixture to temper the egg and prevent curdling. Then, pour this mixture into the soup, stirring well.
9. Serving: Let the soup cool slightly before serving. You can add freshly chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and color. Serve it with fresh bread or polenta, and if you want an extra touch of flavor, add some toasted bread croutons.
Practical tips:
- Garlic: If you are a garlic lover, feel free to add more than the recommended amount. Fresh garlic has a more intense flavor and many health benefits.
- Acidity: If you prefer a more sour soup, you can also use vinegar instead of lemon juice. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of vinegar (apple cider, balsamic) for interesting flavors.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as peppers or zucchini, to diversify the taste. Additionally, the soup can be made with pork or beef, depending on your preferences.
Nutritional benefits:
Garlic soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Garlic helps strengthen the immune system, and the vegetables used are rich in fiber, aiding digestion and maintaining a healthy body weight. The calories per serving range from 250-300, depending on the amount of sour cream and oil added.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, you can replace the chicken back with chicken breast for a leaner option, but it will lose some flavor.
2. How much garlic should I use? It depends on your preferences; start with 4 cloves and add more if you like the intense garlic flavor.
3. Can I make the soup spicier? Add a bit of hot pepper or spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Garlic soup is not just a delicious dish but also a recipe that brings a sense of comfort and warmth. Whether you enjoy it alone or serve it to loved ones, this soup will surely become a favorite on your menu. Try making it over the weekend and enjoy the delightful aromas that will fill your home!
Garlic soup, also known as aita soup in some corners of the country, is a traditional recipe that combines the intense taste of garlic with the delicate flavors of vegetables and chicken meat. This soup is not only nourishing but also packed with health benefits, thanks to the properties of garlic, which is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for cool days when you need a warm and comforting bowl.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken back (about 1 kg)
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1 cup of rice
- salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- garlic (4-6 cloves, depending on preference)
- 1 egg yolk
- 5-6 tablespoons of sour cream
- juice from 1 lemon (to taste)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken back well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities. Place the meat in a large pot, add cold water, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Skimming: Once the water starts to boil, foam will appear on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove this foam. This process will help achieve a clearer soup.
3. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and slice the vegetables. Carrots, parsnip, and parsley add sweetness and flavor to the soup. When the meat is skimmed, add the sliced vegetables and salt to taste. Let them simmer on low heat until softened.
4. Cooking the rice: In another pot, rinse the rice well under cold water to remove excess starch. Boil it separately in salted water until soft, then drain.
5. The perfect combination: After the vegetables and meat are cooked, add the cooked rice to the pot with the soup. Let it boil for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Preparing the garlic sauce: In a small pot, heat the oil and, as soon as it gets hot, turn off the heat. Add the sweet paprika and stir quickly to avoid burning it. Then, deglaze with a few ladles of soup broth. Add the crushed garlic, depending on how garlicky you want the soup. Let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes to release the flavors.
7. Finishing the soup: Once the garlic sauce is ready, add it to the pot with the soup. Then, remove the pot from the heat and season the soup with lemon juice to taste, providing a pleasant contrast of acidity.
8. The fine cream: In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolk with the sour cream. Gradually add a few ladles of hot soup to the egg and cream mixture to temper the egg and prevent curdling. Then, pour this mixture into the soup, stirring well.
9. Serving: Let the soup cool slightly before serving. You can add freshly chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and color. Serve it with fresh bread or polenta, and if you want an extra touch of flavor, add some toasted bread croutons.
Practical tips:
- Garlic: If you are a garlic lover, feel free to add more than the recommended amount. Fresh garlic has a more intense flavor and many health benefits.
- Acidity: If you prefer a more sour soup, you can also use vinegar instead of lemon juice. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of vinegar (apple cider, balsamic) for interesting flavors.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as peppers or zucchini, to diversify the taste. Additionally, the soup can be made with pork or beef, depending on your preferences.
Nutritional benefits:
Garlic soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Garlic helps strengthen the immune system, and the vegetables used are rich in fiber, aiding digestion and maintaining a healthy body weight. The calories per serving range from 250-300, depending on the amount of sour cream and oil added.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, you can replace the chicken back with chicken breast for a leaner option, but it will lose some flavor.
2. How much garlic should I use? It depends on your preferences; start with 4 cloves and add more if you like the intense garlic flavor.
3. Can I make the soup spicier? Add a bit of hot pepper or spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Garlic soup is not just a delicious dish but also a recipe that brings a sense of comfort and warmth. Whether you enjoy it alone or serve it to loved ones, this soup will surely become a favorite on your menu. Try making it over the weekend and enjoy the delightful aromas that will fill your home!