Csirkeleves Recipe - Traditional Hungarian Chicken Soup

Csirkeleves

Csirkeleves Recipe - Traditional Hungarian Chicken Soup
Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Csirkeleves
Csirkeleves

Csirkeleves, also known as Hungarian chicken soup, is a traditional dish that is loved for its comforting and nourishing qualities. This hearty soup is made with chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful broth that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Csirkeleves has been a staple in Hungarian cuisine for centuries. It is a dish that is often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Cook the chicken in a pot with water, skimming off any scum that forms when the soup starts to boil.
  2. Add all the vegetables and spices to the pot.
  3. Simmer the mixture over low heat until the chicken becomes tender.
  4. Remove as much fat as you can from the soup.
  5. Strain the soup and serve it with broad noodles or liver dumplings.

Variations

  • Add some paprika for a spicy kick.
  • Use different vegetables such as potatoes or parsnips.
  • Add some fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to skim off any scum that forms when the soup starts to boil to ensure a clear broth.

- Simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Remove as much fat as possible from the soup before serving for a healthier dish.

- Serve the soup with broad noodles or liver dumplings for a traditional touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Csirkeleves with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Strain the soup before serving for a clear broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

- Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

Csirkeleves can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Csirkeleves in a bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Csirkeleves pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Csirkeleves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Csirkeleves contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Csirkeleves contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Csirkeleves contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Csirkeleves contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Csirkeleves is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

Csirkeleves contains chicken and may contain allergens such as celery.

Summary

Csirkeleves is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in protein and vitamins. It is a comforting soup that is perfect for a cold day.

Summary

Csirkeleves is a classic Hungarian chicken soup that is perfect for a comforting and nourishing meal. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and flavorful vegetables, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Csirkeleves. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make this traditional Hungarian chicken soup. My grandmother had been making it for as long as I could remember, and I always loved the way the flavors melded together in a rich and comforting broth.

One day, while helping my grandmother in the kitchen, I asked her how she had learned to make Csirkeleves. She smiled and told me a story that has stayed with me ever since.

She said that when she was a young woman, she had traveled to Hungary to visit her relatives. It was there that she had tasted the most delicious chicken soup she had ever had. She begged her aunt to teach her the recipe, and after much persuasion, her aunt finally relented.

My grandmother spent hours in the kitchen with her aunt, watching and learning as she prepared the soup. She took careful notes, writing down every step and ingredient to ensure that she would be able to recreate the dish when she returned home.

When she came back to her own kitchen, she set to work making Csirkeleves. It took her several tries to get it just right, but when she finally took that first spoonful of the steaming soup, she knew she had succeeded. The flavors were spot on, just like the soup she had tasted in Hungary all those years ago.

From that moment on, Csirkeleves became a staple in our family's menu. My grandmother would make it for special occasions, or simply when she wanted to warm our hearts and bellies with a taste of home. She passed down the recipe to my mother, and now I am honored to carry on the tradition.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its comforting and delicious flavors.

To make Csirkeleves, you will need a whole chicken, chopped into pieces, along with carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and a handful of fresh parsley. You will also need some chicken broth, salt, and pepper to taste. The secret ingredient, however, is the Hungarian paprika, which gives the soup its distinct and rich flavor.

Start by sautéing the chopped vegetables in a large pot until they are soft and fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Then, add the chicken broth and let the soup simmer for at least an hour, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.

Just before serving, stir in a generous amount of Hungarian paprika, which will give the soup its signature color and flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, preferably with some crusty bread on the side.

I always feel a sense of connection to my grandmother when I make Csirkeleves. I can picture her in her own kitchen, carefully measuring out the ingredients and stirring the pot with a loving hand. I am grateful to her for passing down this recipe to me, and I hope that one day, I can share it with my own grandchildren.

In the meantime, I will continue to make Csirkeleves for my family, keeping the tradition alive and honoring the memory of my grandmother and her beloved soup. It may just be a simple chicken soup, but to me, it is so much more than that. It is a taste of my heritage, a link to my past, and a reminder of the love and care that goes into every meal we share together.

Categories

| Carrot Recipes | Celery Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Chicken Soup Recipes | Hungarian Recipes | Hungarian Soups | Onion Recipes | Parsley Root Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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