Greek-style chicken soup is a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for cool days or moments when we want to enjoy a warm and flavorful meal. This Mediterranean soup combines the juicy taste of chicken with a variety of fresh vegetables and a splash of lemon, giving it an unmistakable taste and a creamy texture thanks to the sour cream. Preparing this soup is simple, and the result is a true feast for the senses.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken breast (or chicken thighs if you prefer a more intense flavor)
- 2 large carrots
- 1 small celery
- 3 colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, and green for an appealing look)
- 3-4 medium onions
- 100 g rice (preferably long-grain rice that absorbs flavors well)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 packet of Delikat or other preferred seasoning
- 1 kg sour cream (ideally high-fat sour cream for a creamy texture)
- 7 egg yolks (essential for enriching the soup)
- Juice from 1-2 lemons (to taste, for a perfect balance of flavors)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. Place it in a large pot with cold water and let it simmer on low heat. When the water starts to boil, skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle. This step is essential for obtaining a clear and clean stock.
2. Boiling the meat: Let the chicken simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender. After it is cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool in a bowl. Keep the cooking liquid, as it will be the base of your soup.
3. Preparing the vegetables: While the chicken is cooling, you can take care of the vegetables. Peel and chop the carrots, celery, and onion. The colorful bell peppers can be diced, and the onion sliced thinly. In another pot, add a few tablespoons of oil and sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until they become translucent and release their aromas.
4. Assembling the soup: After the vegetables are sautéed, pour the chicken broth (the reserved liquid) over them. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are halfway cooked. Now is the time to add the washed rice, salt, and Delikat. Continue to simmer the soup for another 10-15 minutes, until the rice is cooked.
5. Adding acidity to the soup: When the vegetables and rice are cooked, add the lemon juice to taste. This will give the soup a vibrant and fresh flavor, and the acidity of the lemon will perfectly balance the flavors.
6. Preparing the sour cream mixture: In a separate bowl, place the sour cream and add the egg yolks. Whisk well, then take a ladle of hot soup and gradually add it to the sour cream mixture, stirring constantly. This step is essential to prevent the eggs from curdling.
7. Finalizing the soup: Once you have incorporated 5 ladles of soup into the sour cream mixture, pour this mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring constantly. Allow the soup to come to a boil, then turn off the heat. Now it's time to serve!
8. Serving: Greek-style chicken soup is served hot, garnished with freshly chopped dill. You can also add a few lemon slices for an attractive look. It pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or fluffy polenta.
Practical tips:
- Chicken: If you want a more intense flavor, you can use chicken thighs with bone, which will add more flavor to the soup.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, for a richer version.
- Adding acidity: You can adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your preferences. If you like a more sour soup, don't hesitate to add more lemon juice.
- Sour cream: If you want a lighter version, you can use light sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of Greek-style chicken soup (approximately 300 ml) has about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used. This soup is a good source of protein due to the chicken and is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the chicken with another type of meat? Yes, you can use turkey or even beef, but the cooking time will vary.
- How can I store the soup? The soup stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can freeze it, but it is recommended not to freeze the sour cream.
- Is the soup suitable for vegans? This recipe is not vegan, but you can adapt the ingredients using vegetables and tofu or seitan to create a vegetarian version.
Greek-style chicken soup is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary tradition that brings comfort and warmth to every bowl. Try making it for your family and create delicious memories around the table! Enjoy!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken breast (or chicken thighs if you prefer a more intense flavor)
- 2 large carrots
- 1 small celery
- 3 colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, and green for an appealing look)
- 3-4 medium onions
- 100 g rice (preferably long-grain rice that absorbs flavors well)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 packet of Delikat or other preferred seasoning
- 1 kg sour cream (ideally high-fat sour cream for a creamy texture)
- 7 egg yolks (essential for enriching the soup)
- Juice from 1-2 lemons (to taste, for a perfect balance of flavors)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. Place it in a large pot with cold water and let it simmer on low heat. When the water starts to boil, skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle. This step is essential for obtaining a clear and clean stock.
2. Boiling the meat: Let the chicken simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender. After it is cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool in a bowl. Keep the cooking liquid, as it will be the base of your soup.
3. Preparing the vegetables: While the chicken is cooling, you can take care of the vegetables. Peel and chop the carrots, celery, and onion. The colorful bell peppers can be diced, and the onion sliced thinly. In another pot, add a few tablespoons of oil and sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until they become translucent and release their aromas.
4. Assembling the soup: After the vegetables are sautéed, pour the chicken broth (the reserved liquid) over them. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are halfway cooked. Now is the time to add the washed rice, salt, and Delikat. Continue to simmer the soup for another 10-15 minutes, until the rice is cooked.
5. Adding acidity to the soup: When the vegetables and rice are cooked, add the lemon juice to taste. This will give the soup a vibrant and fresh flavor, and the acidity of the lemon will perfectly balance the flavors.
6. Preparing the sour cream mixture: In a separate bowl, place the sour cream and add the egg yolks. Whisk well, then take a ladle of hot soup and gradually add it to the sour cream mixture, stirring constantly. This step is essential to prevent the eggs from curdling.
7. Finalizing the soup: Once you have incorporated 5 ladles of soup into the sour cream mixture, pour this mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring constantly. Allow the soup to come to a boil, then turn off the heat. Now it's time to serve!
8. Serving: Greek-style chicken soup is served hot, garnished with freshly chopped dill. You can also add a few lemon slices for an attractive look. It pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or fluffy polenta.
Practical tips:
- Chicken: If you want a more intense flavor, you can use chicken thighs with bone, which will add more flavor to the soup.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, for a richer version.
- Adding acidity: You can adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your preferences. If you like a more sour soup, don't hesitate to add more lemon juice.
- Sour cream: If you want a lighter version, you can use light sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of Greek-style chicken soup (approximately 300 ml) has about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used. This soup is a good source of protein due to the chicken and is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the chicken with another type of meat? Yes, you can use turkey or even beef, but the cooking time will vary.
- How can I store the soup? The soup stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can freeze it, but it is recommended not to freeze the sour cream.
- Is the soup suitable for vegans? This recipe is not vegan, but you can adapt the ingredients using vegetables and tofu or seitan to create a vegetarian version.
Greek-style chicken soup is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary tradition that brings comfort and warmth to every bowl. Try making it for your family and create delicious memories around the table! Enjoy!