Transylvanian soup

Transylvanian Soup: A Hug in a Bowl

Transylvanian soup is a traditional dish that brings together the rich flavors of fresh vegetables and the tenderness of chicken meat. This recipe is not just a simple meal, but a journey into the heart of a warm home, where the ingredients blend to create a symphony of tastes and aromas. Get ready to discover a dish that will not only satisfy your hunger but also envelop your soul in the nostalgia of home-cooked flavors.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 small piece of celery
- 1 onion
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil
- 2 tablespoons of rice
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons of sour cream
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- Fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot pepper (optional, for serving)

The history of Transylvanian soup:
This soup is a symbol of the hospitality of the Transylvanians, often served at festive meals or on rainy days when the warmth inside is more than welcome. The tradition of cooking soups in Romanian households dates back centuries, and each family has its own recipes passed down through generations. Transylvanian soup, with its simple and tasty ingredients, is a perfect example of the art of transforming humble ingredients into something truly special.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold water. Cut it into equal-sized cubes so that it cooks evenly. Place the meat in a large pot with cold water and add a teaspoon of salt. Put the pot on medium heat and let it boil. Don’t forget to skim the broth every time foam forms to achieve a clear broth.

2. Cleaning the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel the carrots, parsnip, and celery. Grate them on a large grater to turn them into fine pieces that will blend perfectly into the soup. The onion, which you will chop finely, will add a sweet and aromatic flavor.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the grated vegetables and sauté them for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Finally, add the onion and let it sauté together with the other vegetables until they become translucent.

4. Combining the ingredients: Once the meat is boiled and skimmed, add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the broth. Let it simmer on low heat, covering the pot with a lid, until the vegetables are tender and the meat is well cooked (about 20-25 minutes, considering that chicken breast cooks quickly).

5. Boiling the rice: In a separate pot, wash the rice several times under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is important to remove the starch and prevent the grains from sticking together. Boil the rice in salted water until it is almost done. Drain it and add it to the soup pot, allowing it to boil for a few moments.

6. Preparing the lemon souring: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sour cream until you obtain a smooth mixture. Add 1-2 ladles of the soup to this mixture to bring it to the same temperature, then gently pour it over the soup, stirring gently.

7. Souring the soup: Taste the soup and sour it to your preference with lemon juice. Here you can play around, adding more or less, depending on how sour you like it. Finish with the freshly chopped parsley.

8. Serving: Serve the soup hot, with hot pepper on the side for those who appreciate a bit of spice. It is delicious alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta, which perfectly complements the rich taste of the soup.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh vegetables to achieve a vibrant-tasting soup. Frozen vegetables can alter the texture and flavor.
- If you want a heartier version, you can also add diced potatoes.
- Replace the chicken breast with beef for a heartier variant, but make sure the cooking time will be extended.
- Transylvanian soup can be enjoyed both hot and cold the next day when the flavors intensify.

Nutritional information: A serving of Transylvanian soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, providing a good source of protein from the meat and nutrients from the vegetables. This is an excellent choice for a healthy meal, rich in vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! The soup can be adapted to your preferences by using turkey or even pork.
- How can I make the soup spicier? By adding a few slices of hot pepper or a teaspoon of hot pepper paste during cooking, you can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking.
- Is Transylvanian soup suitable for vegans? You can make a vegan version by replacing the meat with mushrooms and using plant-based sour cream.

Regardless of the occasion, Transylvanian soup will always be welcome on your table! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken breast, 2 carrots, 1 parsnip, 1 small piece of celery, 1 onion, 3-4 tablespoons of oil, 2 tablespoons of rice, 2 egg yolks, 4 tablespoons of sour cream, lemon juice, parsley leaves

 Tags:  soup chicken breast