Rădăuțean soup

Chicken soup with vegetables - A delicious reinterpretation of tripe soup

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

We present you a recipe for chicken soup with vegetables, a tasty and comforting alternative to the famous tripe soup. This recipe is ideal for cool days when we crave a warm and nutritious meal. Chicken soup is an extremely versatile dish, full of flavors and nutritional benefits, perfect for the whole family.

A bit of history

Chicken soup with vegetables has deep roots in traditional gastronomy, being a dish that has evolved over time into different variants, each with its regional specificity. This dish has become a symbol of comfort and well-being, often associated with family meals or special occasions. It is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal.

Ingredients

- 2 whole chicken thighs
- 1/2 chicken breast
- 2-3 liters of water
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 5-6 black peppercorns
- Salt, to taste
- 300 g sour cream
- 4 egg yolks
- 3-4 tablespoons vinegar, to taste
- 4 cloves of garlic
- A bunch of fresh parsley

Necessary utensils

- A large pot
- A knife
- A wooden spoon
- A bowl
- A strainer

Preparation instructions

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken thighs and breast well under cold water. Place the meat in a large pot, add enough water to cover the meat, and bring to a boil. During this process, remove any foam that rises to the surface with a skimmer to obtain a clear broth.

2. Adding the vegetables: When the water has started to boil and the foam has been removed, add the whole onion (peeled), carrot, parsnip, parsley root, celery stalk (washed and cut in half), bell pepper (seeded and cut in half), bay leaves, pepper, and a little salt. These ingredients will give flavor to the soup and turn each spoonful into an explosion of taste.

3. Boiling: Let everything simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes, until the meat and vegetables are cooked. When ready, remove the meat and vegetables from the pot. Strain the broth to eliminate any vegetable and spice residues.

4. Processing the vegetables: You can discard the vegetables or, if you prefer, mash them and add them back into the soup for a creamier texture and intensified flavor. Make sure the carrot is cut into smaller pieces and added back into the soup.

5. Preparing the sour cream: In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the egg yolks and a pinch of salt. Then, gradually add 2-3 ladles of hot broth and mix well to avoid curdling the sour cream. This technique helps achieve a creamy and delicious soup.

6. Finalizing the soup: Add the sour cream mixture back into the pot, along with the deboned and shredded meat, the chopped carrot, crushed garlic, and chopped parsley. Drizzle with vinegar to taste. Place the pot on low heat, allowing the soup to come back to a boil. Finally, adjust with salt if necessary.

7. Serving: Serve the soup hot, alongside hot peppers and a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess. This soup pairs wonderfully with fresh bread or crispy croutons.

Practical tips

- Choosing the meat: Use fresh chicken, preferably from a trusted source. Thighs provide a richer flavor, but you can also use other parts of the chicken, such as wings or back.
- Vegetables: You can adapt the vegetables according to your preferences. For example, celery or zucchini can add a different note to the soup.
- Vegetarian option: You can transform this recipe into a vegetarian option by replacing the meat with seasonal vegetables and adding tofu or mushrooms.
- Storage: The soup can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for later consumption.

Nutritional benefits

This chicken soup is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, having a low-calorie content, especially if you use skinless chicken. The vegetables add fiber and antioxidants, thus contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use turkey meat? Yes, you can replace chicken with turkey for a lighter version.
- How long does the soup last in the fridge? The soup can be kept for 3-4 days in the fridge, but it is recommended to reheat it well before consumption.
- How can I enhance the flavor? You can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to intensify the flavor.

Serving recommendations

This chicken soup pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a light beer. Additionally, a fresh green salad alongside the soup will make the meal even more enjoyable.

We invite you to try this simple and delicious chicken soup with vegetables recipe, which will bring a touch of warmth and comfort to every bowl. Whether you prepare it for a family meal or to treat yourself, it is an excellent choice!