Mountain broth soup

Muntean potroace soup is a traditional dish, full of flavor and history, that combines the aroma of fresh ingredients with a touch of tradition and passion. This soup is perfect for cool days when we want to warm our soul and body. Offering a combination of tangy and spicy flavors, potroace soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an excellent choice for the whole family.

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

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken without breast (preferably free-range)
- 200 g chicken gizzards, cleaned
- 1 large carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 large glass of rice (approximately 200 g)
- 10 peppercorns or 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- A small whole dried chili or finely chopped
- 1 large onion or 2 small ones
- 1 celery stalk
- 3 tablespoons of preserved vegetables (tomatoes, bell peppers, parsley root, and celery)
- 1 liter of cabbage juice
- A slice of untreated lemon
- 2 eggs
- 200 g sour cream
- Chopped fresh parsley, dill, and 2 leaves of lovage

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by singeing the chicken over a flame. This traditional technique helps remove any feathers and gives a special flavor to the meat. After singeing, cut it into smaller pieces and wash well under cold running water.

2. Boiling the meat: Place the chicken pieces along with the cleaned gizzards in a pot with cold water. Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. As the water starts to boil, foam will form on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove the foam. After removing the foam, reduce the heat and let it simmer on low for 40 minutes.

3. Adding spices: After 40 minutes, add a teaspoon of salt, the peppercorns, the chopped chili (if you want to add extra heat), and the cleaned and chopped vegetables. The carrot and celery can be diced or sliced, depending on preference.

4. Cooking the rice: Once the soup starts boiling again, add the rice and the slice of lemon, peel included. The lemon will add a fresh note and help balance the flavor.

5. Preparing the egg and sour cream mixture: Meanwhile, beat the eggs with the sour cream in a separate bowl. This will add a special creaminess to the soup.

6. Adding cabbage juice: Boil the cabbage juice separately, then add the 3 tablespoons of preserved vegetables and pour the strained cabbage juice into the soup. Stir well to integrate all flavors.

7. Finishing the soup: Take 2-3 ladles of soup and mix them with the beaten eggs and sour cream. Slowly pour the mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the eggs. Once finished, remove the slice of lemon and turn off the heat. Finally, add the finely chopped greens - parsley, dill, and lovage.

8. Serving: Muntean potroace soup is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. It is delicious to accompany it with a glass of white wine or cold lemonade, which will perfectly complement the tangy flavors of the soup.

Practical tips:
- If you want to intensify the flavor of the soup, you can also add a few bay leaves during the meat boiling.
- The sauerkraut can be adjusted according to personal preferences; if you want a less sour soup, gradually add the cabbage juice until you achieve the desired taste.
- This recipe can also be adapted to include other types of meat, such as duck or turkey, for a different variation.

Nutritional information: Potroace soup is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken and gizzards. Additionally, the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, while the rice provides complex carbohydrates, ensuring the energy needed for an active day. A serving of soup has approximately 300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used.

Muntean potroace soup is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that brings to mind family gatherings, shared stories, and traditions passed down from generation to generation. Once you try making it, you will surely discover why it is such a beloved dish. So, gather your ingredients and let yourself be inspired by this delicious recipe!