Transylvanian chicken borscht with sour cream

Transylvanian chicken borscht with sour cream – simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Transylvanian chicken borscht with sour cream is a traditional Romanian recipe, rich in flavors and full of taste. This soup is perfect for cool days or to impress guests with an authentic dish. Moreover, it is a quick and simple recipe that can be adapted to everyone's tastes. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken meat (thighs or breast)
- 1 liter water
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 parsnip (optional)
- 1 large onion
- 1 bell pepper (red or green)
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 200 ml cooking sour cream
- 2-3 tablespoons vinegar (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil (optional)

Preparation:
1. Start by washing the chicken meat well under cold water, then place it in a large pot. Add one liter of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the water reaches boiling point, reduce the heat and let the meat simmer for 20-25 minutes, skimming off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle. This step is essential for obtaining a clear borscht.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables. Slice the carrots into thin rounds, dice the parsnip into small cubes, and chop the onion into scales. If using bell pepper, remove the seeds and cut it into small cubes.

3. After the meat is cooked, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Let them boil together with the meat for about 20 minutes or until they become tender. This mixture will add an intense flavor to the borscht.

4. When the vegetables are ready, add the vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring gently. The vinegar will add a tangy note that is specific to Transylvanian borscht.

5. In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with a few tablespoons of hot soup to temper it, then add the sour cream mixture to the pot. This will create a creamy texture and a rich taste.

6. Finally, add the finely chopped fresh lovage for an extra flavor. Let the borscht simmer for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the Transylvanian chicken borscht with sour cream alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can add toasted croutons for a crunchy texture or even an extra splash of vinegar if you prefer it more sour.

Variations:
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with mushrooms or seasonal vegetables, keeping the same vegetables for a tasty borscht. Also, for an even more intense flavor, add a few peppercorns or bay leaves during boiling.

Transylvanian chicken borscht with sour cream is not only a comforting dish but also a way to bring a touch of tradition to your table. Enjoy every bite!