Radauti Soup

Ciorba Rădăuțeană: a comforting delight

Ciorba Rădăuțeană is a traditional dish, loved by many, which combines the flavors of fresh vegetables with the rich taste of chicken. This soup is perfect for chilly days or to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones. I will guide you step-by-step through the preparation of this delicious recipe, providing useful tips and information on the ingredients used so that you get the perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 suitable celery
- 4 or 5 carrots
- 3 potatoes
- 2 parsnip roots
- 1 red onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 lemon
- 2 red bell peppers
- 400 g sour cream (15% fat)
- 3 eggs
- Dill leaves
- Parsley leaves
- salt
- Freshly ground pink pepper
- Dried mint or green mint
- Salt-free greens

A Bit of History

Ciorba Rădăuțeană has its roots in Romanian culinary traditions, having a particular reputation in the hill regions. It is known for its rich consistency and complex flavors, and is often prepared at celebrations or family gatherings. This recipe has been handed down from generation to generation, with each family having its own variation reflecting their preferences and available ingredients.

Step by step: making Ciorbei Rădăuțțene

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. Dice the carrots, celery, parsnips, parsnips and potatoes. Red onions can be chopped finely. This step is essential to ensure even cooking of the vegetables.

Step 2: Boiling the meat

In a 6-quart pot, add the chicken breast along with 3 quarts of water. Bring to the boiling point. Once the water starts to boil, skim the broth to remove impurities. This step will make the soup clearer and more appetizing.

Step 3: Adding the vegetables

Once frothy, add all the chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, parsnips, potatoes and onions). Simmer for about 30 minutes, until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Pasta the vegetables

Once the vegetables have cooked, remove them from the pot with a slotted spoon and place them in a food processor. Puree the vegetables until you get a fine puree. This step will give the soup a creamy texture.

Step 5: Preparing the meat

Meanwhile, break the chicken into thin strips. You can leave some of the meat diced for a nicer look. This detail will add a design element to the soup.

Step 6: Combining the ingredients

Keep 500 ml of the stock in which the vegetables and meat have boiled. Add the pureed vegetables back to the stock pot, along with the loosened meat. Bring to the boiling point.

Step 7: Garlic and flavorings

Add half a head of crushed garlic to the soup. If you're a garlic lover, dilute the rest of the crushed clove with 3-4 tablespoons of water and 100 ml of buttermilk Brenac. This combination will intensify the flavor of the soup.

Step 8: Finalizing the soup

Once all the ingredients have cooked, turn off the heat and add the lemon juice. This will add a fresh taste and balance the rich flavors of the soup. Cover the pot with a lid and leave to simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 9: Egg custard

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the cream and 500 ml of the reserved stock from the soup. This will help create a smooth emulsion. Use a blender to obtain a smooth consistency. Blend this cream into the soup, stirring well to avoid lumps.

Step 10: Serving

Serve the soup warm, garnished with the basil leaves and parsley. Serve with a red chili pepper, peeled of the seeds, for extra flavor. You can add a dollop of sour cream on top for a more appetizing taste.

Serving suggestions

Ciorba Rădăuțeană goes perfectly with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread or with mămăligle. A cold beer or dry white wine can also complement the meal perfectly.

Variations and tricks

If you want to experiment with flavors, you can add aromatic herbs such as dill or basil. You can also replace chicken with beef or a combination of meats for a more complex soup.

Nutrition facts

This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. High in vitamins from vegetables and protein from meat, Ciorba Rădăuțeană is an excellent choice for a healthy meal. One serving of soup has about 320 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pork instead of chicken?
Yes, but the taste of the soup will be different. Pork can be fattier, so adjust the amount of cream.

2. How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
You can add spices like cumin or paprika for a more complex flavor.

3. Is the soup good for freezing?
Yes, soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to leave the cream and eggs aside and add them when reheating.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! The soup can be customized with your favorite vegetables such as zucchini or green beans.

Ciorba Rădăuțeană is a simple but flavorful recipe that can bring a touch of warmth and comfort to any meal. I hope this recipe becomes one of your favorites! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1 medium celery, 4 or 5 carrots, 3 potatoes, 2 parsnip roots, 1 red onion, 1 head of garlic, 1 lemon, 2 red bell peppers, 400 g sour cream (15% fat), 3 eggs, leaves of lovage, parsley leaves, salt, freshly ground pink pepper, dried or fresh mint, salt-free vegetable seasoning.