Rădăuțean soup

Rădăuți soup – a comforting delight

Rădăuți soup is one of those traditional recipes that embraces your soul and delights your taste buds. It is a hearty soup, full of flavors and textures, perfectly blending the juicy taste of chicken with the notes of garlic and sour cream. This recipe proves to be not just a nourishing meal, but also a true journey into the heart of culinary traditions. Let’s discover together how to prepare the perfect Rădăuți soup!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 1/2 chicken (approximately 600-800 g, fresh or store-bought)
- 2 large carrots
- 1 large onion
- 3-4 tablespoons of vinegar (preferably from pickled peppers)
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 400 ml sour cream (20% fat, for a creamy taste)
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons of chicken fat (optional, for a richer flavor)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken: In a large pot, add the half chicken and cover it with cold water. If you have backyard chicken fat, add that as well to enhance the flavor. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to boil.

2. Skimming: As the water begins to boil, you will notice foam forming on top. Use a skimmer to remove this foam, ensuring that the soup will be clear and appetizing.

3. Adding the vegetables: After skimming, add the peeled carrots cut into large pieces, along with the whole onion. Let it boil for about 30 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender and easily separates from the bones.

4. Separating the ingredients: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Remove the vegetables, and the soup will be strained twice to obtain a clear liquid.

5. Preparing the meat: When the chicken has cooled, shred it into small strips. The carrot can be sliced into rounds or left whole, depending on your preference.

6. Enriching the soup: Put the strained broth back on the heat and when it starts to boil, add the meat and carrot rounds. Add the pickled pepper vinegar, letting it boil for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

7. Preparing the garlic sauce: In a bowl, crush the 5 cloves of garlic with a pinch of salt and add a little water, mixing well. This garlic sauce will give the soup an intense aroma and an unmistakable taste.

8. Cream of sour cream: In another bowl, prepare a mixture of the 4 egg yolks and 400 ml of sour cream. Take a ladle of the hot broth and gradually add it to the sour cream mixture to temper it. This way, you will avoid the sour cream curdling when added to the soup.

9. Finishing the soup: Once the mixture is smooth, add it to the soup. Stir well to evenly distribute the sour cream and achieve a creamy consistency. Turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley.

10. Serving: Rădăuți soup is served hot, alongside fresh homemade bread and chili or garlic for those who love a hint of spice. If desired, you can add an extra spoonful of sour cream for added creaminess.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the chicken: If possible, opt for a free-range chicken, which will add a more intense flavor. Store-bought chicken is usually softer but lacks the same aroma.
- The vinegar: If you don't have pickled pepper vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. This will add acidity and enhance the soup's flavor.
- Vegetarian version: You can adapt this recipe using vegetables like celery, bell peppers, and mushrooms, replacing the chicken with marinated tofu or a mix of boiled vegetables.
- Authentic taste: A trick that makes a difference is to add a few bay leaves to the soup at the end, before serving, to enhance the aroma.

Nutritional values (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can Rădăuți soup be frozen?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add the sour cream before freezing. Add it when reheating.

2. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can experiment with vegetables like celery, zucchini, or even potatoes to add more consistency.

3. What drinks pair well with this soup?
Rădăuți soup pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a light beer, which will balance the intense flavors of the soup.

Rădăuți soup is not just a recipe, but a true culinary experience that connects us to traditions and brings us together around the table. Enjoy your meal!