Rădăuțean soup

Chicken soup with cream and garlic – A comforting and flavorful recipe

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

Chicken soup with cream and garlic is a recipe that combines culinary tradition with refined flavors, offering a warm and comforting dish, perfect for cooler days or when we crave a hearty meal. This soup is a delicious variation of tripe soup and can be made with simple yet flavorful ingredients. I am happy to share this recipe with you, which has been refined over the years and has become an essential part of my menu.

Required ingredients

- 5 chicken thighs (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 4 large carrots
- 1 medium celery
- 1 large onion
- 4 eggs
- 500 g of sour cream
- 8-10 garlic cloves (to taste)
- 1 lemon
- Salt (to taste)
- Chicken concentrate (optional)
- Dried thyme (for flavor)

Ingredient details

Chicken thighs: These add a rich flavor and juicy texture to the soup. You can also use chicken breast, but thighs provide a more intense taste.

Carrots and celery: These vegetables not only enrich the soup with vitamins but also contribute to the natural sweetness of the dish.

Garlic: This is the magic ingredient that gives the soup its distinctive flavor. You can adjust the amount according to your preferences.

Sour cream: Choose a rich sour cream to achieve a creamy consistency and rich taste. You can opt for a lighter sour cream, but the result will be different.

Lemon: It is essential to add a note of acidity that balances the flavors.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the meat and vegetables: Start by washing the chicken thighs well. Place them in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add the carrots and celery cut into large pieces, as well as the whole onion (do not chop it, you will throw it away later). Add a teaspoon of salt and let them boil over medium heat.

2. Skimming: When the water starts boiling, foam formation is inevitable. Use a skimmer to remove the soup foam, making sure to obtain a clear liquid. This step is essential for having a beautiful and clean soup.

3. Boiling the meat: Let the thighs boil for about 40 minutes, until the meat is tender. After they are cooked, remove the thighs and vegetables from the pot onto a platter and let them cool slightly.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Once the vegetables have cooled, discard the onion and puree the carrots and celery using a blender or food processor. This paste will add a creamy texture and intense flavor to the soup.

5. Shredding the meat: Remove the skin and bones from the chicken thighs and shred the meat into strips. Add the meat back into the soup.

6. Combining the ingredients: Put the vegetable paste in the pot, add the crushed garlic (to taste), and if desired, a bit of chicken concentrate to enhance the flavor. Let everything boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Preparing the dressing: In a bowl, whisk the egg whites with a small amount of salt until frothy. Add the sour cream and the egg yolks beaten with the juice of one lemon. It is important not to add the sour cream directly to the soup, but to temper it with a few ladles of hot soup, stirring constantly.

8. Finalizing the soup: After tempering the sour cream, add the mixture to the pot, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, then turn off the heat. You can add dried thyme for extra flavor.

Serving

The soup is served hot, along with fresh or pickled hot peppers, which each person can add to taste. This soup is delicious and can be accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons.

Useful tips

- For a more intense flavor: You can add a bay leaf during the boiling of the meat or a few peppercorns.
- Variations: Instead of chicken thighs, you can use turkey meat or even beef, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Garlic: If you are a fan of garlic, feel free to add more, but make sure to crush it well to release the flavors.

Nutritional benefits

This chicken soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables provide an important supply of vitamins and minerals. Garlic is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and the sour cream adds essential calcium for bones.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey or even beef, but the cooking time will change.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add hot peppers during cooking or serve the soup with hot pepper sauce.

3. What can I do with the leftovers?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be reheated and is just as tasty.

4. How can I adapt the recipe to make it lighter?
You can reduce the amount of sour cream or replace it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

This chicken soup with cream and garlic is more than just a meal; it is an experience that brings family and friends together. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself after a long day, it is a true delight that will not disappoint. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 5 chicken thighs, 4 carrots, 1 medium celery, 1 onion, 4 eggs, 500g sour cream, 8-10 cloves of garlic, 1 lemon, salt, chicken concentrate, thyme

 Tags:  chicken sour cream garlic rădăuți soup soup cooking recipes soup recipe soups