TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN CHICKEN SOUP WITH TOMATO, EGG, AND LOVAGE
Enjoy a classic Romanian chicken soup simmered with aromatic vegetables, enriched with tangy tomato and finished with delicate egg ribbons and fresh lovage. This bright, comforting soup is perfect for family dinners and offers a refreshing balance of flavors with a hint of lemon.
π Prep Time: 20 min
π³ Cook Time: 1 hour 30 min
π° Yields: 5 servings
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken meat (I used 4 wings plus assorted giblets)
- 1 large carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 1 slice celery root (about 50 g)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Β½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 150 ml tomato purΓ©e (bulion) or 100 ml passata
- 1 ripe tomato, peeled and crushed (fresh or canned)
- 1 egg
- 3 stalks lovage, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (or borscht for sourness)
- 2β3 tbsp oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare and SautΓ© the Vegetables
- Grate carrot, celery root, and parsley root on a coarse grater.
- Finely chop onion and red bell pepper.
- In 2β3 tablespoons heated oil, sautΓ© all the vegetables until softened (about 10 minutes), stirring frequently.
2. Cook the Chicken and Soup Base
- Add chicken meat and 1.5 liters cold water to the pot.
- Bring to a boil and skim foam thoroughly during the first 15 minutes.
- Add tomato purΓ©e, crushed tomato, and 2 teaspoons salt.
- Simmer over medium heat for 45 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Cover pot if too much liquid evaporates.
3. Add Egg and Sour Flavor
- Beat the egg well.
- Slowly drizzle the egg into the hot soup in a thin stream while stirring gently to create delicate egg ribbons.
- Add lemon juice or borscht gradually to achieve desired sourness.
- Adjust salt as needed.
4. Final Touches
- Stir in finely chopped lovage.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, plain or with a dollop of sour cream.
π‘ Tips
- Be patient when skimming foam to keep broth clear and clean-tasting.
- Adding the egg slowly while stirring creates beautiful egg threads (zdrente).
- Lovage adds a unique aromatic touch; if unavailable, fresh parsley is a good substitute.
- Adjust sourness with lemon juice or traditional borscht for authentic flavor.
π Perfect For
- Family dinners and cozy gatherings
- Light, refreshing yet nourishing soups
- Fans of traditional Romanian flavors and textures
π Final Thoughts
This traditional Romanian chicken soup blends tender poultry with a tangy tomato base and the delicate texture of egg ribbons, all elevated by fresh lovage. Simple to make yet rich in flavor, it offers a comforting and aromatic experience perfect for any season.