Greek-style chicken soup

Greek-style chicken soup: A warm embrace in every spoonful

If you are looking for a soup recipe that brings you a feeling of comfort and warmth on cooler days, then Greek-style chicken soup is the perfect choice. This delicious soup, with a mix of vegetables, rice, and a creamy touch from sour cream, is not only nourishing but also easy to prepare. Its origins are rich and varied, and each cook adds their own personal touch. This recipe was inspired by a smile-filled gathering in Gaby's yard, where we realized that the simple combination of ingredients can create a true culinary masterpiece.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 4 medium carrots
- 1/2 celery (about 200 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 cup of rice (about 200 g)
- 700 ml sour cream (ideally a fatty one for better taste)
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 liter of borscht
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of Delikat (or another preferred seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken well, then cut it into pieces. It is important to remove the skin and excess fat to achieve a lighter soup. Place the chicken pieces in a large 6-liter pot and add cold salted water.

2. Boiling the chicken: Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. As the chicken begins to boil, it will form foam on the surface. This step is essential for obtaining a clear soup, so don’t forget to skim well.

3. Adding the vegetables: After removing the foam, peel the carrots and grate or chop them into small cubes. Clean the celery and cut it into larger pieces. Add the carrot, celery, and whole onion to the pot. Let them boil together with the meat to combine the flavors for about 20 minutes.

4. The rice and seasonings: When the meat is almost cooked, add the washed rice and the tablespoon of Delikat. Boil everything together for 6-7 minutes until the rice becomes translucent and soft.

5. The borscht: Now, it’s time to add the borscht. Let the soup boil for another 3 boils, then turn off the heat. This step will add a sour note that perfectly complements the flavors.

6. The egg and cream mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the yolks well with the sour cream. It is important that the soup is not too hot when you add this mixture to avoid curdling the eggs. So, let the soup cool a bit before combining the two.

7. Serving: Add the cream and yolk mixture to the soup, stirring gently to achieve a creamy texture. Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with chopped green parsley (if you prefer). If you have children who don’t like greens, you can omit them from their plates, just as I do with my little ones.

Practical tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can also add a few peppercorns or a bay leaf during cooking.
- Choosing the chicken: Opt for a free-range chicken if you have the chance for a much richer taste.
- The borscht can be replaced with lemon juice or vinegar if you prefer a more sour note.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or various vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) to create a delicious vegetarian soup.

Nutritional benefits:
This chicken soup is rich in protein due to the chicken meat, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and fiber. The sour cream adds calcium and healthy fats, but if you want a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Calories: A serving of soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used.

Greek-style chicken soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or a slightly salted polenta, and for a perfect finish, you can enjoy a glass of dry white wine or freshly made lemonade.

In conclusion, Greek-style chicken soup is a simple yet sophisticated recipe that will bring joy to your table. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, it is a choice that will not disappoint. So, put on your apron, put on your gloves, and get ready to enjoy a culinary journey full of flavors and love!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken, 4 carrots, 1/2 celery, 1 onion, 1 cup of rice, 700 ml of sour cream, 4 eggs (yolk), 1 liter of borscht, salt, 1 tablespoon of Delikat, 2 tablespoons of olive oil

 Tags:  chicken vegetables soup bors