Rădăuțean Soup

Chicken breast and vegetable soup - a comforting classic recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Chicken breast and vegetable soup is a traditional recipe, appreciated in many households. This rich-flavored soup is perfect for chilly days, offering not only a delicious taste but also considerable nutritional benefits. Here’s how you can prepare a tasty soup, step by step.

Ingredients:

- 800 g chicken breast (you can also use a whole chicken, deboned later)
- 2 bell peppers (or sweet peppers)
- 2 heads of garlic
- 2 large onions
- 2-3 carrots
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 5-6 peppercorns
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for sautéing
- A bunch of fresh lovage or parsley, finely chopped
- Water (optional, depending on the desired consistency)

A bit of history:

Soup is a dish that has evolved over the centuries, becoming a symbol of hospitality and comfort in many cultures. In our version, we chose chicken breast and fresh vegetables to create a nutritious and tasty soup that brings a smile to the faces of loved ones. This recipe not only combines simple ingredients but also offers a palette of flavors that will make you feel at home.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the chicken breast:
Place the chicken breast in a large pot and add cold water, enough to cover it completely. Add salt, bay leaves, coriander, and peppercorns. Boil over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, until the meat is well cooked. Make sure to remove the foam that forms on the surface to obtain a clear broth.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
While the chicken breast is boiling, clean and finely chop the onion. Grate the carrots on a small grater. Heat a pan with a little oil over medium heat and add the onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent, then add the grated carrot. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

3. Cutting the chicken breast:
Once the chicken breast is boiled, remove it from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into bite-sized cubes. This step is essential to allow the meat to absorb the flavors from the soup later.

4. Combining the ingredients:
Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the broth in which the chicken breast was boiled. If you want a larger quantity of soup, you can add extra water. Let it boil for 10 minutes for the flavors to blend.

5. Adding the bell peppers:
Cut the bell peppers into small pieces and add them to the soup. This ingredient will add a sweet-sour taste, playing an essential role in the recipe. Let it boil for another 5 minutes.

6. Finalizing the soup:
Crush the garlic clove and add it to the pot, stirring well. This will give the soup an intense and comforting aroma. After removing the soup from the heat, sprinkle the chopped lovage or parsley. These herbs are essential for adding freshness and a splash of color.

7. Serving:
The soup is served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and, for those who love spiciness, with pickled or fresh hot peppers. It is an excellent choice for a hearty lunch or a comforting dinner.

Practical tips:

- If you want a richer soup, you can also add diced potatoes or zucchini.
- Replace the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a more intense flavor.
- You can also add other seasonal vegetables, such as celery or cauliflower, for variety.
- Don’t forget to serve the soup with fresh bread or polenta for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions:

- How long does the soup keep in the fridge?
The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.

- Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without sour cream. You can add sour cream after thawing, when reheating.

- What other recipes can I try?
If you like this recipe, I recommend trying tripe soup or vegetable soup with homemade noodles, both being delicious and comforting dishes.

Nutritional benefits:

Chicken breast soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The vegetables provide a significant amount of fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties, and lovage adds not only flavor but also essential antioxidants.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all you have to do is put on your apron and start this culinary adventure! Your chicken breast and vegetable soup will surely bring warmth and joy to every bowl. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: chicken breast 800 g bell pepper 2 heads of garlic 2 onions 2-3 carrots spices (salt, bay leaves, coriander, whole pepper) oil 1 bunch of lovage/parsley

 Tags:  rădăuți soup chicken