Romanian Chicken Soup

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 celery stalk, diced 1 celery stalk, diced
• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 lemon, zest only 1 lemon, zest only
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill and parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh dill and parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot and stir well.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, flour, and lemon zest until smooth.
6. 6.
   Slowly pour the sour cream mixture into the pot, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
7. 7.
   Add the bay leaves and dried thyme to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Remove the bay leaves and discard.
10. 10.
    Serve the Romanian Chicken Soup hot, garnished with fresh dill and parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken pieces such as thighs or drumsticks.
• Sour cream — Opt for full-fat sour cream to achieve a creamy and velvety texture in the soup.
• Lemon zest — Make sure to use organic lemons and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, you can sauté the vegetables before adding them to the pot.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can increase the amount of flour in the sour cream mixture.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Romanian Chicken Soup as a comforting main course, accompanied by a slice of freshly baked bread. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh dill and parsley for an added burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the Romanian Chicken Soup in individual bowls, ensuring that each serving contains a generous amount of chicken, vegetables, and broth. Serve with a side of crusty bread and a sprig of fresh herbs for an appetizing presentation.