Rădăuțean soup

Rădăuți Soup – A Flavorful and Comforting Delicacy

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Rădăuți soup is a traditional Romanian recipe, full of flavors and with a perfect consistency that turns every meal into a celebration of tastes. This soup is not only nourishing but also comforting, making it ideal for chilly days or moments when you need a warm and flavorful dish. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow cooking techniques, I invite you to discover how to prepare this wonderful soup at home, step by step.

Ingredients:
- 1 boneless chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- 1 carrot (approximately 150 g)
- 1 parsnip (approximately 150 g)
- 1 medium onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons of vinegar
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 g sour cream (preferably fatty sour cream)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (optional, depending on preferences)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. Make sure it is clean, without any bone or skin remnants. This step is essential for achieving a clear and tasty soup.

2. Boiling the Chicken:
In a large pot, add approximately 6 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Add the chicken breast and let it boil over medium heat. Cover the pot with a lid to speed up the boiling process.

3. Preparing the Vegetables:
Meanwhile, peel the onion, carrot, and parsnip. Wash them well and cut the carrot into thin strips and the parsnip into small cubes. The onion can be left whole or cut in half, depending on your preference, as it will be removed before serving.

4. Adding the Vegetables:
Once the water starts boiling, add the cleaned vegetables to the pot. Cover again and let it boil for 30-40 minutes, until the meat and vegetables become tender.

5. Checking the Cooking:
Use a fork to check if the chicken breast is cooked. If the meat easily falls apart, it’s ready! Remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot and place them on a plate.

6. Straining the Soup:
Using a fine sieve, strain the soup to remove impurities and remaining vegetables. Pour the broth back into the pot. Here, you can decide whether to keep the vegetables for a heartier soup or to remove them completely.

7. Cutting the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breast into small cubes or strips, depending on your preference. Add the meat back into the pot, along with the vegetables if you decided to keep them.

8. Seasoning:
Place the soup on the heat and let it reach boiling point. Season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s essential to adjust the seasonings along the way to achieve a balanced flavor.

9. Cream Mixture:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sour cream until you obtain a smooth mixture. When the soup has started boiling again, carefully add this mixture to the pot, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the eggs. Let the soup boil for 4-5 minutes.

10. Finalizing the Dish:
Finally, add the vinegar and crushed garlic, if you choose to include it. If you prefer a separate garlic sauce, you can prepare it and serve it on the side for those who want a stronger flavor.

11. Serving:
Turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and flavor. You can serve the soup hot, accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons for a pleasant contrast of textures.

Practical Tips:
- If you want to keep the soup for the following days, it is recommended not to add sour cream from the beginning. Keep the soup simple and add the sour cream only when serving to maintain its freshness.
- You can experiment with other seasonal vegetables or different types of meat, such as free-range chicken or turkey, to add a personal twist to the recipe.
- Rădăuți soup pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits:
This soup is rich in protein and vitamins due to the ingredients used. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, while the vegetables provide essential antioxidants, fiber, and minerals. The sour cream adds a boost of calcium, contributing to bone health.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I replace the chicken breast with another type of meat? Yes, you can use turkey or even beef, but the cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat used.
- Can the soup be frozen? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it’s best to leave it without sour cream to avoid separation upon thawing.
- How can I make the soup spicier? You can add a little hot pepper or spices like paprika to intensify the flavor.

In conclusion, Rădăuți soup is not only a delicious dish but also a true culinary treasure that brings together tradition and comfort. I wish you happy cooking and bon appétit!