Rădăuți soup

Rădăuți Soup: A Culinary Delicacy with a Taste of Home

Rădăuți soup is a traditional recipe that brings together the rich flavors of simple ingredients, yet has a profound impact on taste. With origins lost in history, it is today considered a delicacy that reminds us of family meals filled with warmth and love. This soup, which is quite similar to tripe soup, is known for its rich flavor and creamy texture, becoming a staple in many households. If you ever find yourself in a restaurant in Rădăuți, don't miss the chance to savor this soup expertly prepared by local chefs who continue to keep the tradition alive.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg) or 1 kg of thighs, chicken breast, wings
- 4 liters of water
- 3-4 carrots
- 2 parsley roots
- 1/2 celery root
- 1/2 kohlrabi
- 2 potatoes
- 1 tomato
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 bunch of lovage
- 1 onion
- 5-6 cloves of garlic
- 1-2 egg yolks
- 1-2 tablespoons of flour
- 200 ml sour cream
- Vinegar (to taste, for souring)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparation of the soup:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing and cutting the chicken. If using cut chicken, make sure to have a combination of thighs and breast for a richer flavor. Place the meat in a large pot with 4 liters of cold water and bring to a boil. When the water starts to boil, remove the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear broth.

2. Cleaning the vegetables: Meanwhile, clean and wash all the vegetables. Chop the carrots and onion finely, while the other vegetables (celery, parsley, kohlrabi, bell pepper, tomato) should be diced. This step will not only add color to the soup but also a variety of flavors.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and carrots. This step is crucial as sautéing the vegetables will intensify the flavors and give the soup a richer taste.

4. Boiling: Once the onion becomes translucent, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the boiled chicken. Season with salt and let it simmer over medium heat for 40-45 minutes until the meat and vegetables are tender.

5. Adding flavors: After everything is cooked, crush the garlic cloves and add them to the pot along with vinegar for souring. The vinegar will give the soup a pleasant acidity that balances the rich taste of the other ingredients.

6. Preparing the sour cream mixture: In a bowl, blend the flour, sour cream, and egg yolks. This mixture will add a fine creaminess to the soup. Take a few tablespoons of hot broth from the pot and add it to the sour cream mixture to temper it, then pour it back into the pot. Boil the soup for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

7. Finalizing: Finally, add the chopped lovage and fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness. The Rădăuți soup is now ready to be served!

Serving suggestions:

Rădăuți soup is served hot, with hot peppers, garlic sauce, and optionally, a spoonful of cold sour cream on top. These garnishes not only enhance the soup's appearance but also bring a pleasant contrast of flavors and textures.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of meat? Of course! You can experiment with pork or turkey, and for a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

- Can the soup be stored in the fridge? Yes! Rădăuți soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating it over low heat, adding a little water to maintain its consistency.

- What are the nutritional benefits of this soup? Rădăuți soup is rich in protein due to the chicken, and contains vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and sour cream, providing a balanced and nourishing meal.

This Rădăuți soup recipe is not just a simple dish, but a culinary experience that brings together tradition, natural flavors, and the desire to share unforgettable moments with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!