Chicken soup

Chicken Soup - A Traditional Romanian Delight

When your appetite urges you to return to your roots, chicken soup is the perfect choice. This simple and tasty recipe will remind you of family Sunday dinners. Here’s how to prepare a delicious chicken soup, step by step, for a result that will impress everyone.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 backyard chicken back (approximately 1 kg) and some diced chicken breast strips
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 carrot
- 400 ml tomato juice (preferably homemade)
- Salt, to taste
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Pickled hot pepper, for serving
- Homemade bread, to accompany the soup
- A shot of țuică (optional, but recommended for an authentic taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken back well under cold running water. Place it in a large pot and cover it with cold water. This will help extract flavors and achieve a rich soup.

2. Boiling the chicken: Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. After a few minutes, you will notice foam forming on the surface; remove it with a skimmer to obtain a clear and clean broth. Let the chicken boil for about 30 minutes, until the meat becomes tender.

3. Adding the vegetables: While the chicken is boiling, prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, and dice the carrot, potatoes, and red bell pepper. After the chicken is boiled, add the onion and let it sauté for 5 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. Then, add the carrot, potatoes, and bell pepper. Continue to simmer the soup over medium heat.

4. Seasoning the soup: After about 15 minutes, when the vegetables are nearly cooked, add the tomato juice and salt to taste. The tomato juice will give the soup a vibrant flavor and an attractive color. Let it boil for another 10-15 minutes until all the ingredients are well combined.

5. Finishing the soup: Remove the chicken meat and cut it into strips or cubes, then add it back into the soup. Sprinkle the finely chopped parsley and let it boil for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.

6. Serving: Serve the soup in clay pots for a rustic look. Add pickled hot pepper on the side for a spicy contrast and a slice of fresh homemade bread. A shot of țuică can perfectly complete the meal, bringing a touch of tradition.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a more sour soup, you can add lemon juice or white wine vinegar at serving time.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to diversify the flavors.
- Make sure to use a backyard chicken, as it will add a richer and more authentic taste to your soup.

This chicken soup is not just a savory main dish, but also an opportunity to enjoy Romanian culinary traditions. The rich flavors and fresh ingredients will turn every spoonful into a memorable experience. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: the back of a chicken and some strips of breast cut into cubes, 1 onion, 1/2 red bell pepper, 2 potatoes, 1 carrot, tomato juice (homemade), salt, a few sprigs of parsley

 Tags:  chicken soup house chicken