Transylvanian chicken soup

Transylvanian chicken soup is a traditional dish that combines the authentic flavors of vegetables with the juiciness of chicken meat, resulting in a comforting and flavorful soup. This recipe will not only warm your soul but also take you on a culinary journey, evoking nostalgic memories from grandmother's kitchen.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 500 g chicken meat (wings and back are excellent options)
- 1 large carrot
- 1 large onion
- 1 root of celery (about 100 g)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2 stalks of green celery
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 200 ml sour cream
- 2 small egg yolks
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil
- 2 l water
- Chicken spices (Knorr, Delikat, or other mixes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vinegar to taste
- (Optional) Tarragon and/or tarragon vinegar, 1 tablespoon of rice

Preparation of Transylvanian chicken soup

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the chicken meat well and drying it with paper towels. This will help achieve a better crust during cooking. Cut the vegetables: dice the carrot and celery, and slice the onion. You can use a sharp knife to get even cuts, essential for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrot and celery. Continue to sauté the vegetables for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. This step will intensify the flavors and give the soup a special taste.

Step 3: Cooking the meat
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sauté them together with the vegetables for about 2 minutes until the meat starts to brown slightly. This will add a rich flavor to the soup.

Step 4: Boiling the soup
After the meat has been sautéed, add half a cup of water and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for 10 minutes so that the meat softens a bit. After this interval, add the sweet paprika, half of the chopped parsley, chicken spices, and the 2 liters of water. Bring everything to a boil, then cover the pot halfway and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Creaming the soup
In a small bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sour cream. This is the secret to achieving a creamy and rich soup. After the soup has boiled, take a few ladles of hot broth and gradually add them to the sour cream mixture, stirring continuously. This will help temper the sour cream, preventing it from curdling.

Step 6: Completing the soup
After mixing in the sour cream, pour everything back into the pot. Adjust the soup with salt and pepper, add vinegar to taste, and the remaining chopped parsley. This step will add freshness and a slightly tangy flavor characteristic of this dish.

Step 7: Serving
Transylvanian chicken soup is served hot, alongside fresh chili peppers for those who enjoy a bit of spice. You can also offer slices of fresh bread, which pair perfectly with this comforting soup.

Useful tips
- Choosing the meat: Chicken wings and backs are ideal for this soup due to their gelatin content, which helps achieve a rich and flavorful broth. You can also experiment with chicken breast, but the result will be less juicy.
- Vegetables: Adding a variety of vegetables will not only enrich the flavor of the soup but also add essential nutrients. You can include potatoes or zucchini for a more varied texture.
- Spices: If you like a more intense flavor, you can also add tarragon, which will give a special aromatic note to the dish. Tarragon vinegar can be an excellent choice for a more sophisticated taste.
- Variations: You can transform this soup into a heartier dish by adding a tablespoon of rice in the last 10 minutes of boiling. The rice will absorb the flavors and make the soup more filling.

Nutritional benefits
Transylvanian chicken soup is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the chicken meat, and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It is a healthy choice, low in calories, ideal for a light meal or to warm you up on cold winter days.

Frequently asked questions

- How long can the soup be stored?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan, but you can adapt the ingredients using a plant-based meat substitute and plant-based sour cream.

- What other dishes can be served alongside Transylvanian soup?
Seasonal salads, a vegetable pie, or warm polenta are excellent accompaniments to complete the meal.

Transylvanian chicken soup is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that evokes pleasant moments and family gatherings. Savor every spoonful and enjoy its rich and comforting aroma!

 Ingredients: 500 g chicken meat (I used wings and back) 1 carrot 1 large onion 1 teaspoon sweet paprika A little oil (2-3 tablespoons) 200 ml sour cream 1 bunch of parsley 1 root of celery A little green celery (stalk) 2 small egg yolks Chicken spices Vinegar to taste Salt Pepper (Optionally, you can add tarragon and/or tarragon vinegar instead of regular vinegar and 1 tablespoon of rice which you add when you remove the soup from the heat.)