Rădăuți soup, from Bihor

Rădăuți soup is a traditional recipe, full of flavor and aroma, that brings a touch of warmth on chilly days. With a delicious combination of chicken, fresh vegetables, and sour cream, this soup is not only nourishing but also comforting. Let's embark together on the preparation of this delicacy!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 400 g chicken (thighs or breast)
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 onion
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for added color)
- 1 large tomato
- 200 ml sour cream (you can use fermented sour cream for a more intense flavor)
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of one lemon
- Fresh lovage leaves
- Fresh green parsley leaves
- Hot pepper (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the chicken into suitable pieces. Place them in a large pot and add enough water to cover the meat. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor. Skim the soup, removing the foam that forms on the surface with a spoon, to achieve a clear and tasty liquid.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and wash the vegetables. Cut the onion into small cubes, and the carrots and parsley root into slices or small cubes. The bell pepper can be cut into strips, and the tomato, after removing the skin (you can blanch it for a few seconds), can be diced.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, heat the two tablespoons of oil and add the grated carrot. Sauté for a few minutes until it becomes slightly soft and changes color. This will add a beautiful hue to your soup.

4. Adding the vegetables to the soup: Once the meat is well cooked, add the onion, bell pepper, parsley root, and sautéed carrot. Let it simmer on low heat, adding water if necessary, until all the vegetables are cooked, about 20 minutes.

5. Flavoring the soup: Ten minutes before turning off the heat, add half of the pressed garlic, lovage leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to boil for a few minutes so the flavors blend.

6. Preparing the sour cream mixture: In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining pressed garlic and sour cream. Add a ladle of hot soup to temper the mixture, then pour it into the pot. This step will give the soup a creamy texture and rich flavor.

7. Finalizing the soup: Stir well, turn off the heat, and add lemon juice to taste. This will add a note of freshness to your soup.

8. Serving: When serving, add chopped green parsley and, if desired, extra sour cream. Rădăuți soup is excellent served with hot peppers on the side for those who love a bit of spice.

Useful tips

- Choosing the meat: Use chicken with bones to achieve a richer broth. Chicken thighs are an excellent choice due to their fat content that adds flavor.
- Fresh vegetables: Make sure the vegetables are fresh to achieve the best taste. Seasonal produce will add extra flavor.
- Sour cream: Choose a quality sour cream, preferably one with a higher fat content, for a creamier texture.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can also add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini. You can also replace chicken with turkey or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This soup is very nutritious, with a moderate caloric intake. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used. It is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use beef instead of chicken? Yes, you can use beef, but the cooking time will be longer.
- How can I make the soup more sour? You can add more lemon juice or use white wine vinegar.
- Is the soup good the next day? Yes, Rădăuți soup is even better the next day, when the flavors have had time to meld.

Rădăuți soup is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that makes you feel at home. By preparing this recipe, you not only enjoy a tasty meal but also special moments with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 400 g chicken meat, 3 carrots, 1 parsley root, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 1 tomato, 200 ml sour cream, 2 egg yolks, 2 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, juice from 1 lemon, lovage leaves, parsley leaves, hot pepper