Greek-style chicken soup

Greek-style chicken soup - A comforting and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Introduction

Greek-style chicken soup is a traditional dish, full of flavor and warmth, perfect for chilly days or moments when you need a comforting meal. This recipe combines simple ingredients with clever cooking techniques, bringing together the delicate taste of chicken with the freshness of vegetables and the creaminess of sour cream. Each spoonful is an explosion of flavors!

History

Greek-style chicken soup is a recipe that has crossed generations, maintaining its authentic essence. This soup has deep roots in traditional cuisine, often served during festive meals, as well as on ordinary days. The technique of thickening the soup with sour cream and egg yolks is an old trick that transforms a simple soup into a true feast.

Ingredients

- 500 g chicken (wings and thighs, portioned)
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1/4 celery
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 medium onions
- 5-6 tablespoons of rice
- 2 egg yolks
- 300 g sour cream
- a bunch of fresh parsley
- salt, to taste
- Delikat (or other preferred seasoning), to taste
- magic borscht (or lemon juice), to taste

Preparation

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken well. Use wings and thighs to obtain a rich-flavored broth. Cut the meat into smaller pieces for even cooking. Place the meat in a 4-liter pot, add a pinch of salt, and cover with water. Put the pot on medium heat and wait for it to reach a boiling point.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, clean the vegetables. Cut the carrots, parsnip, celery, and bell pepper into small cubes. The onions can be finely chopped, and if you prefer, you can leave them in thin slices for a rustic look. This combination of vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to your soup.

3. Washing the rice: Don’t forget to wash the rice in several waters to remove excess starch. This step is essential to avoid sticky rice in the soup.

4. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat has boiled and has formed a foam, remove it with a skimmer. Add the chopped vegetables and rice to the pot. Let everything simmer on low heat, covered, for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables become tender.

5. Adding the greens: A few minutes before finishing the cooking, add the finely chopped fresh parsley. This will bring a fresh and vibrant aroma to your soup.

6. Cream mixture: In a bowl, whisk the two egg yolks with the sour cream until smooth. It is important to add a small amount of broth from the pot to this mixture to temper the sour cream, so it doesn’t curdle when added to the pot.

7. Finalizing the soup: Pour the cream mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring continuously. Add salt, Delikat, and magic borscht or lemon juice to taste. Let the soup boil for a few more minutes, then remove it from the heat.

8. Serving: Greek-style chicken soup is served hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor. It can be accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or flavored croutons.

Useful tips

- If you want to enrich the soup, you can add some mushrooms or diced zucchini.
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a bay leaf or a few peppercorns to the pot during cooking.
- Substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter yet equally delicious version.
- If you prefer a more sour soup, feel free to add more borscht or lemon juice.

Nutritional benefits

This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken, and the vegetables provide an important supply of vitamins and minerals. A serving of Greek-style chicken soup can contain about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is an excellent choice for a nutritious and comforting meal.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey or even beef, adjusting the cooking time according to the type of meat chosen.

2. How can I store the soup for several days?
The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the storage container.

3. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen. It is recommended to leave it without sour cream or yogurt until thawed, adding them later to maintain the creamy texture.

Greek-style chicken soup is more than just a recipe - it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy every spoonful!