Transylvanian chicken soup

Transylvanian Chicken Soup – A Caloric and Flavorful Delight

Transylvanian chicken soup is a traditional recipe that brings a touch of warmth to every home. This rich soup, full of flavors and nutrients, offers not only a delicious taste but also a feeling of comfort, perfect for cool days or gathering the whole family around the table. With deep roots in culinary culture, Transylvanian soup is often prepared with fresh garden ingredients and is known for its perfectly balanced sour taste.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 2 chickens (wings and necks)
- 2 liters of water
- 1 large onion
- 2-3 carrots
- 1 large tomato (peeled)
- 1 small zucchini
- 0.5 celery
- 2 bell peppers (preferably different colors for an attractive appearance)
- Tarragon (fresh or dried)
- 2 vegetable bouillon cubes
- 1 egg
- 200 g sour cream
- A few sprigs of parsley
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or olive/sunflower oil)
- 2 tablespoons borscht (or to taste)
- Hot pepper (for serving)
- Slice of bread with cheese inside (for serving)

Preparing Transylvanian Chicken Soup:

Step 1: Preparing the meat
Wash the chicken well and place it in a large pot with 2 liters of cold water. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. During boiling, do not forget to skim the soup, removing impurities that form on the surface. This step is essential for obtaining a clear and delicious soup.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, peel the vegetables. Cut the onion into large cubes, the carrots into rounds, the zucchini into suitable pieces, the celery into small cubes, and the bell peppers into strips. Adding vegetables to the soup not only enhances the flavor but also brings a lot of necessary vitamins to the body.

Step 3: Adding the vegetables
Once the meat starts to boil, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Add water if necessary, so that all ingredients are covered. Add the two vegetable bouillon cubes, the tarragon (if fresh, chop it finely), and let the soup simmer over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Preparing the egg and sour cream mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the egg together with the sour cream until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This will add a creamy texture and a special flavor to your soup. To avoid the egg curdling in the soup, add a few ladles of hot soup to the egg and sour cream mixture, stirring constantly.

Step 5: Finalizing the soup
After the vegetables and meat are well cooked, turn off the heat and add the egg and sour cream mixture to the soup, stirring gently to integrate the ingredients. Here comes the secret: acidity! Gradually add the borscht, tasting as you go, until you reach the desired level of sourness.

Step 6: Serving
Pour the soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve the Transylvanian soup alongside a slice of bread with cheese inside and a hot pepper for those who prefer a little extra spice. This is the perfect combination that will delight the taste buds!

Practical tips:
- If you want a heartier soup, you can also add diced potatoes.
- Instead of borscht, you can use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to achieve a sour taste.
- Tarragon is an essential ingredient in this recipe, but if you don’t have it, you can also experiment with other herbs like dill or oregano.

Nutritional benefits:
Transylvanian chicken soup is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals necessary for a balanced diet. This can be a good choice in the cold season, helping to strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey is a healthy and delicious alternative.

2. What can I do with leftover soup?
The soup keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick meal the next day.

3. What can I use instead of vegetable bouillon cubes?
You can use natural spices or a homemade mix of herbs.

I conclude this recipe with a personal note: Transylvanian chicken soup is more than just a dish; it is a blend of tradition and love, a recipe that brings back memories of family meals and moments of joy spent with loved ones. So, embrace this wonderful dish and savor every spoonful! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: I only used the wings and necks from 2 chickens I cooked a few days ago. Besides this, you will need: 1 large onion, 2-3 medium carrots, 1 large peeled red tomato, 1 zucchini, 1 celery stalk, 2 large bell peppers, tarragon (I had some preserved in salt in a jar, although dried can also be used), 2 chicken bouillon cubes, 1 egg, 200 grams of sour cream, a few sprigs of parsley. Since my chicken was not that fatty, I added a tablespoon of coconut oil (olive oil or sunflower oil can also be used).