Romanian Food: Ciorba de pui

Romanian food - Ciorba de pui
Famous Romanian food: Ciorba de pui

Jump to delicious Romanian Ciorba de pui recipe!

What is the Romanian dish Ciorba de pui?

Ciorbă de pui is a mouth-watering delight that tantalizes the taste buds with its sour and tangy flavor. This Romanian soup is a delicious harmony of tender chicken meat and a bounty of fresh, crisp vegetables like juicy carrots, succulent potatoes, savory onions, sweet peppers, earthy parsnips, and sun-ripened tomatoes. The broth is seasoned with borș, lemon juice, or the sour tang of sauerkraut, which all work together to create a symphony of flavors that burst in your mouth with every spoonful.

Aromatic lovage, fragrant bay leaves, and fresh parsley add depth and complexity to the soup, and the addition of either silky noodles, fluffy rice, or delicate dumplings make each bite more satisfying. This hot and hearty soup is served fresh and steaming hot, with the option of topping it with spicy hot peppers, delicate scallions, or sweet leeks for an extra burst of flavor. Ciorbă de pui is an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave you yearning for more.

What are the origins and history of the Romanian dish Ciorba de pui?

The origins of the Romanian dish “Ciorbă de pui” are not well documented, but it is believed to have been developed as a traditional peasant soup in rural Romania. The ingredients for the soup, including chicken and vegetables, were readily available to the rural population and could be easily prepared in a single pot over an open fire. The sour taste of the soup was likely introduced through the use of sour ingredients such as borș, lemon, or sauerkraut juice, as a way to preserve the soup and extend its shelf life. Over time, this simple dish has become a staple of Romanian cuisine and continues to be enjoyed in homes and restaurants throughout the country.

What are some dishes from other countries that are similar to the Romanian dish Ciorba de pui?

There are several dishes from other countries that are similar to the Romanian dish “Ciorbă de pui”. Some of these include:

  • Ukrainian “Borscht”: a sour soup made with beets and vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.
  • Russian “Shchi”: a cabbage soup that can also be made with other vegetables and occasionally with meat.
  • Polish “Zupa Ogórkowa”: a sour cucumber soup made with sour cream and served cold.
  • Hungarian “Goulash”: a hearty meat and vegetable stew that is typically made with beef and seasoned with paprika.
  • Turkish “Tarhana”: a soup made from dried vegetables, herbs, and spices, often served with yogurt.

These dishes share similarities with “Ciorbă de pui” in their use of sour ingredients and hearty, vegetable-based broths, making them similar in taste and texture.

Vegetarian & Vegan options

Is the Romanian dish Ciorba de pui vegetarian? If not, can it be made vegetarian?

No, the Romanian dish “Ciorbă de pui” is not vegetarian as it traditionally contains chicken meat. However, it can be made vegetarian by using a vegetarian or vegan protein substitute, such as tofu or tempeh, in place of the chicken meat. Vegetable broth can also be used instead of chicken broth to make the soup fully vegetarian or vegan. In this way, the flavorful vegetables and sour ingredients can still be enjoyed, without the use of animal products.

Is the Romanian dish Ciorba de pui vegan? If not, can it be made vegan?

No, the traditional Romanian dish “Ciorbă de pui” is not vegan as it contains chicken meat and sometimes sour cream is also added. However, it can be made vegan by substituting the chicken meat with a vegan protein substitute, such as tofu or tempeh, and using a vegan sour cream alternative or omitting it altogether. Additionally, vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth to make the soup fully vegan. These modifications will allow vegans to enjoy the delicious flavor and sour taste of this traditional Romanian dish.

Traditional Romanian Ciorba de pui Recipe

Ciorbă de pui is a traditional Romanian sour soup that is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. This comforting soup is made with tender chicken meat, fresh vegetables, and a sour broth seasoned with borș, lemon, or sauerkraut juice. Whether you’re looking for a warm, filling meal or a comforting bowl of soup, Ciorbă de pui is a delicious choice.

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons borș, lemon juice, or sauerkraut juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lovage, chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1/2 cup scallions, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

  1. In a large pot, heat the chicken broth and water over medium heat.
  2. Add the chicken, onion, carrots, potatoes, green pepper, parsnip, tomatoes, borș, lemon juice, or sauerkraut juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
  3. Stir in the parsley, lovage, and bay leaves.
  4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables and chicken are tender.
  5. Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
  6. If desired, stir in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated.
  7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with scallions.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 145 kcal
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Sodium: 526 mg
  • Potassium: 479 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 4 g

Note: Nutritional information is estimated and may vary based on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used.

More Ciorba de pui Recipes (in the Romanian language)

Ciorba de pui cu legume reteta simpla savori urbane

Ciorba de pui cu legume reteta simpla

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Ciorba de pui olteneasca – reteta video

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Ciorba de pui - bors de pui cu taitei de casa

Ciorba de pui bors de pui cu taitei de casa

pofta-buna.com

 

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