Greek-style Dobrogea chicken soup

Dobrogea chicken soup a la grec is a beloved recipe that combines the authentic taste of seasonal ingredients with the rich culinary tradition of the region. This soup is not only a nourishing dish but also a true celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for cool days or moments when you want to indulge in a bowl of delights.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken (preferably free-range for a more intense flavor)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 large carrots
- 2 celery roots
- 2 parsnip roots
- 30 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 50 g rice
- 5 tablespoons of sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable concentrate
- 1-2 tablespoons of Bors Magic (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cleaning and washing the chicken well. It will be boiled in cold water, and at the beginning, foam will form. It is important to skim the soup well to obtain a clear and clean liquid. This step will add clarity and a neat appearance to your soup.

2. Chopping the vegetables: While the meat is boiling, clean and chop the vegetables into small cubes. The onion, carrots, celery, and parsnip will add sweetness and intense flavor to the soup. Choose fresh, seasonal vegetables for an authentic taste.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, heat the oil and add the chopped vegetables. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they become slightly translucent. This step will intensify the flavors of the vegetables and contribute to a richer taste of the soup.

4. Adding the vegetables to the soup: Once the meat has boiled and you have skimmed it, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot. Also, add the 2 tablespoons of vegetable concentrate and salt to taste. Then, add the washed rice and mix well.

5. Preparing the egg and sour cream mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sour cream and a tablespoon of hot soup. This mixture will bring a delicate creaminess to the soup, and adding hot soup will prevent the eggs from curdling.

6. Finishing the soup: Continue to simmer the soup on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are cooked. Then, add the egg and sour cream mixture to the soup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let it boil for another 2-3 minutes.

7. Adding the bors: Finally, add the bors (or vinegar, if you prefer) to the soup, stirring constantly. Let it boil for another minute. Taste and adjust the salt and sourness to your liking.

8. Serving: Finely chop the parsley and mix it with a little oil to enhance its aroma. Add it to the soup, letting it float on top. The soup is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta.

Serving Suggestions: You can also add a few slices of lemon to enhance the flavors, and a portion of pickled hot peppers can add a spicy note, perfect for those who love spices.

Practical Tips and Variations:
- If you like a more sour soup, you can add more bors or use sauerkraut juice.
- Instead of chicken, you can experiment with pork or beef, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted based on the type of meat used.
- If you want to reduce calories, you can replace the sour cream with natural yogurt, which will provide a similar texture but with less fat.

Nutritional Information: This soup is packed with nutrients due to the fresh vegetables and is a good source of protein thanks to the chicken. A serving contains approximately 300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used. It is an excellent choice for a nourishing lunch or a comforting dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Sure! Frozen vegetables are a good alternative, but the taste will be more intense with fresh vegetables.
- What type of rice is recommended? Long-grain rice is ideal, but you can also use risotto rice for a creamier texture.
- How can I store the soup? The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later consumption.

Enjoy a portion of this Dobrogea chicken soup a la grec and let yourself be carried away by its rich and comforting flavors! Bon appétit!