Moldovan chicken borscht
Moldovan Chicken Borscht – Traditional Recipe
When it comes to the comfort of a warm meal, nothing compares to a bowl of Moldovan chicken borscht. This recipe is not just a meal, but a story passed down from generation to generation. It is a symbol of hospitality and the joy of bringing family together around the table. Let's discover together how to prepare this delight!
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 1 large and healthy free-range chicken
- 2-3 large carrots
- 2 large onions
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 parsnip
- ½ of a small celery
- Approximately 5 liters of water
- 1 liter of borscht
- 500 g of plum tomatoes
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- A handful of homemade noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the chicken
The first step in preparing this Moldovan chicken borscht is to ensure we have a quality chicken. Choosing a free-range chicken is essential, as the meat will be tastier and more filling. Once the chicken is prepared (de-headed, plucked, cleaned, and well washed), we cut it into pieces.
Step 2: Blanching the chicken
In a large pot, add water and blanch the chicken pieces along with a tablespoon of sugar. This will help remove impurities and enhance the flavor. After the water boils, we discard it and rinse the meat well.
Step 3: Boiling the broth base
Now we add the necessary water to prepare the borscht. Usually, 5 liters is more than enough to obtain a rich soup. We place the chicken pieces in the water and let it simmer on low heat for about an hour. Don't forget to skim the broth from time to time to remove impurities that form on the surface.
Step 4: Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, we wash and prepare the vegetables. Here's how to cut them:
- Onion: diced small.
- Carrots: diced.
- Bell pepper: diced.
- Parsley: tied with a string for easy removal at the end.
- Celery: cut into 2-3 large pieces.
- Parsnip: cut lengthwise into 2-3 strips.
- Tomatoes: grated on a large grater after being washed.
Step 5: Adding the vegetables and tomatoes
After the chicken has boiled for an hour, we add all the prepared vegetables and the tied parsley. These will add a full flavor to the borscht and enrich the aroma. We let it simmer for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Adding the tomatoes and borscht
When the meat is almost cooked, we add the grated tomatoes and let it come to a boil. Then, we cook the borscht separately and add it hot to the soup. This step is crucial, as the borscht will give a specific sour taste. We let everything simmer together for a few minutes.
Step 7: Finalizing the borscht
Finally, we add the homemade noodles and season with salt and pepper to taste. We let it boil for another 5-6 minutes until the noodles are fully cooked. We turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness.
Serving
Moldovan chicken borscht is served hot, alongside a slice of polenta or fresh bread. It is an ideal meal for cool days, but can be enjoyed anytime, with family or friends.
Useful tips
- Make sure the chicken is well cleaned and washed to avoid any impurities in the borscht.
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to get the best flavors.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with mushrooms and also add more vegetables.
- Adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the borscht will enhance the sour taste.
Nutritional benefits
Chicken borscht is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, with a moderate calorie content, making it a healthy choice for a hearty meal. The chicken provides quality protein, while the vegetables bring necessary fiber and antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken meat instead of hen?
Yes, but the taste will be different. Free-range hen provides a more intense flavor and better texture.
2. How can I store the borscht?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can also be frozen for later consumption.
3. What type of borscht should I use?
Grain borscht is the most commonly used, but you can also use concentrate borscht, depending on your preferences.
This Moldovan chicken borscht recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings together tradition and the joy of cooking. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let's enjoy a special moment with our loved ones! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: a large and healthy country chicken, 2-3 large carrots, 2 large onions, 1 green bell pepper, 1 sweet pepper, 1 parsnip, 1/2 of a small celery, about 5 liters of water (don't worry, there's plenty of meat :D), 1 liter of borscht, 500 g of small plums tomatoes, a bunch of parsley, a handful of homemade noodles, salt and pepper
