Rădăuțean Soup

Rădăuți soup is a traditional Romanian dish, known not only for its delicious taste but also for its comforting aroma. This soup, rich in fresh ingredients, is perfect for chilly days and can be easily prepared at home. Here’s how you can make a delicious Rădăuți soup step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 400-500 g)
- 2 carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 potatoes
- 600 g sour cream (preferably high-fat for a creamy texture)
- 5 egg yolks
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 50 ml vinegar (preferably white wine vinegar)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken breast into cubes. Make sure to use a sharp knife for even cuts. Peel and chop the carrots, bell pepper, and potatoes into similar-sized cubes so they cook evenly.

2. Boiling the meat: Place the chicken cubes in a large pot with cold water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and skim the soup to remove impurities. This step is essential for achieving a clear and appetizing soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once you have skimmed the soup, add the chopped carrots, bell pepper, and potatoes. Let everything simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

4. Preparing the sour cream mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with the egg yolks. This mixture will add richness and a creamy texture to the soup. It is important to do this step carefully to avoid curdling the eggs.

5. Finishing the soup: When the vegetables and meat are cooked, dissolve the chicken bouillon cubes in the pot's broth. Take a ladle of the hot broth and gradually pour it over the sour cream mixture, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Then, pour the mixture back into the pot, stirring well.

6. Adding garlic and vinegar: Crush the garlic cloves and place them in a sieve. Pour a few tablespoons of the hot broth over the garlic to extract the flavor without leaving large pieces. Add the garlic to the soup along with the vinegar, adjusting the acidity to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.

7. Serving: After you turn off the heat, add the finely chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Serve the Rădăuți soup warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can also add a few drops of white wine vinegar to the plate for an even more intense flavor.

Practical tips:
- If you want a spicier version, you can also add a bit of hot pepper or sweet paprika.
- Substitute the chicken breast with thighs for a more succulent and flavorful soup.
- Experiment with fresh herbs, like lovage, to bring another level of flavor.

Rădăuți soup is not only a simple recipe but also a true feast for the senses. Savor every spoonful and enjoy the Romanian culinary tradition!