Rădăuțean soup

Chicken soup with vegetables - a feast in every spoon

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Chicken soup with vegetables is a classic recipe, abundant in flavors and colors, reminiscent of Sunday family meals. This soup is not only delicious but also an excellent source of nutrients, rich in fresh vegetables and proteins. It is ideal for chilly days and for moments when you want to indulge your taste buds. Additionally, it is a simple recipe, perfect for those who are just starting their culinary journey.

The basic ingredients for this recipe are easy to find, and depending on your preferences, you can add or replace some of them. This makes the recipe versatile and accessible to everyone.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300g)
- 1 parsnip
- 1 celery (approximately 100g)
- 1 parsley root
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 small can of sour cream (approximately 200g)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Vinegar and olive oil (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for decoration)
- Salt, pepper, and lovage (to taste)

Steps to prepare the soup:

1. Prepare the ingredients:
Start by cleaning all the vegetables. Wash the chicken breast well and cut it into smaller pieces for even cooking. You can leave the vegetables (parsnip, celery, parsley, carrots, onion) whole while boiling to preserve their flavor and nutrients.

2. Boil the chicken and vegetables:
In a large pot, add water and place the cleaned chicken along with the vegetables. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.

3. Sort the vegetables:
When the vegetables and chicken are cooked, remove them from the pot and set them aside on a plate. Strain the broth to remove impurities and the onion. This step is essential for a clear and tasty soup.

4. Prepare the vegetables for the soup:
Cut the cooked vegetables (except the onion) into small cubes. In a pan, heat olive oil and add the diced vegetables. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes, adding salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. This is when the vegetables will release their aromas, giving a beautiful color to the soup.

5. Add the vegetables to the broth:
After the vegetables have browned slightly, add them back to the pot with the strained broth. Let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

6. Prepare the cream mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with the egg yolks and flour. This is the secret to achieving a creamy and rich texture. Add a few ladles of hot broth to this mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the cream from curdling.

7. Finalize the soup:
Slowly pour the cream mixture into the pot with the soup, stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Let it simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes. Add the crushed garlic, vinegar, and finely chopped fresh parsley to taste. This is the stage where you can adjust the acidity of the soup to your liking.

8. Serving:
The soup is served hot, and for an extra flavor boost, you can add sour cream and a bit of vinegar to each portion. Fresh parsley not only adds a splash of color but also a fresh and aromatic taste.

Helpful tips:
- You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to diversify the flavor.
- If you like the soup spicier, you can add some chopped hot pepper or chili flakes.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar, to give a unique touch to the dish.

Nutrition:
This soup is low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. The chicken breast provides quality protein, while the sour cream adds a creamy touch without being overly heavy. A serving has about 300 calories, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use beef or pork?
- Of course! This recipe is versatile and can be adapted with different types of meat. Cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat used.

2. How can I make the soup heartier?
- Add rice or noodles, which will turn the soup into a more filling dish.

3. Can the soup be prepared in advance?
- Absolutely! The soup becomes even tastier the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

This chicken soup with vegetables is not just a meal but a culinary experience that can bring joy and comfort in every bowl. So, I invite you to prepare it and enjoy every spoonful! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken breast, 1 parsnip, 1 celery, 1 parsley, 2 carrots, 1 onion, 1 small box of sour cream, 2 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon of flour, 3 cloves of garlic, vinegar/olive oil, fresh parsley, salt/pepper/levisticum

 Tags:  rădăuți soup