Chicken borscht

Chicken Borscht: A classic, comforting recipe full of flavors

Total preparation time: 60 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Welcome to the flavorful pantry of culinary tradition! Today we will be carried away by memories and the warmth of a family meal, preparing a delicious chicken borscht. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also brings with it a story of comfort, health, and joy. Chicken borscht is an excellent choice for chilly days, being not only nourishing but also rich in vitamins and nutrients. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1/2 free-range chicken (approximately 500 g)
- 1 large leek, sliced
- 2 carrots, grated finely
- 1 medium celery, grated finely
- 1 tablespoon pepper paste (or fresh peppers, if you prefer)
- 3 handfuls of rice (approximately 200 g)
- Tomato juice (each adds to taste, but I recommend 200 ml)
- 1 liter of borscht (or to taste)
- Dried lovage (or fresh, for an extra touch of freshness)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by placing the chicken in a large pot with cold water. This will help extract the flavor from the meat. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to start boiling. You will notice foam forming on the surface. Use a ladle to remove the foam, ensuring that the broth remains clear.

2. Boiling the meat: Once you have cleaned the foam, let the chicken boil for about 20 minutes until it becomes tender. This step will ensure a rich base for your borscht.

3. Adding the vegetables: Now is the time to add the vegetables. Start with the grated carrot. It will not only add sweetness to the borscht but also a vibrant color. Let it boil for 20 minutes.

4. Continuing with celery: After the carrot is nearly done, add the grated celery. This will bring a slightly spicy flavor, perfectly complementing the other ingredients. Boil together for 10 minutes.

5. Leek and pepper: Add the diced leek. It cooks quickly, so don’t leave it on the heat for too long. After boiling for 5 minutes, you can add the tablespoon of pepper paste, which will enhance the flavor of the borscht.

6. Adding the rice: Now is the time to add the rice. Choose long-grain rice for a fluffier texture. Let it boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Finalizing the borscht: Finally, add the tomato juice. This will give a hint of acidity to the borscht, balancing the taste. Let everything boil together for another 5 minutes.

8. Adding the borscht: It’s time to add the borscht. You can adjust the amount based on how sour you like it. After pouring in the borscht, let it boil for a few more minutes, then turn off the heat.

9. Lovage: Finally, add the dried lovage (or fresh, if you have it). This will add a fresh aroma and perfectly complement your borscht.

Serving: Chicken borscht is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta, which will soak up the rich broth. You can also add a few fresh lovage leaves on top for a pleasant appearance and intensified aroma.

Practical tips:

- Choose a free-range chicken, as the meat has a richer flavor and is healthier compared to store-bought chicken.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, to vary the recipe.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a bit of chili pepper or spices.
- If you like your borscht more sour, you can add vinegar instead of borscht, but adjust the amount carefully.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use store-bought borscht? Of course! Store-bought borscht is a convenient option, but I recommend making borscht at home for an authentic taste.

- How can I store the borscht? Borscht keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to have on hand for busy days.

- Is this borscht healthy? Absolutely! Chicken borscht is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great choice for a healthy and nourishing meal.

Chicken borscht is not just a recipe; it is a tradition that connects us to our loved ones and brings us together around the table. So, don’t hesitate to prepare it and share it with your loved ones! I look forward to hearing how it turned out for you, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: -1/2 country chicken -1 large leek -2 carrots -1 medium celery -1 tablespoon of pepper paste -3 handfuls of rice -tomato juice (each adds as much as they like) -borscht (I add 1 liter of borscht) -greens (I add dried lovage)