Kokoshka Soupa

Kokoshka Soupa Recipe from Macedonia - Chicken and Vermicelli Soup

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Kokoshka Soupa is a traditional Greek chicken soup that is both comforting and delicious. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in Greek households.

History

Kokoshka Soupa has been a popular dish in Greece for many years, with each family having their own unique twist on the recipe. It is often served during the colder months to warm up and nourish the body.

Ingredients

1 large chicken, cut into pieces
water, enough to cover the chicken
3 handfuls of vermicelli noodles
salt, to taste
some milk
1 egg
juice of 1 lemon
chopped parsley

How to prepare

Clean and wash the chicken thoroughly.
Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with hot water. Add salt to taste and bring it to a boil.
Remove any scum from the top just before it reaches the boiling point.
Boil the chicken until it becomes tender. Remove it from the stock.
Add vermicelli to the boiling stock and cook it until it becomes tender.
Meanwhile, remove the white meat from the chicken and chop it. Add it back to the stock.
When done, remove the pot from the heat and add some milk.
In a bowl, beat an egg and the juice of one lemon together until well mixed.
Very carefully, add a ladleful of the stock mixture to the egg and lemon mixture, stirring constantly (almost drop by drop to prevent curdling).
Continue mixing in the stock mixture to the egg mixture several times, being careful.
Then pour the egg mixture back into the remaining stock, stirring so as not to curdle.
You can now add more lemon as desired and some chopped parsley.

Variations

Add vegetables such as carrots, celery, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.
Use orzo or rice instead of noodles for a different texture.
Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove any scum that rises to the top of the boiling chicken stock to ensure a clear and flavorful soup.

- When adding the egg and lemon mixture to the soup, be sure to do so slowly and stir constantly to prevent curdling.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference, as some prefer a more tangy soup while others prefer a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Kokoshka Soupa is best served hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a Greek salad.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the chicken until tender ensures a flavorful and rich broth.

- Slowly adding the egg and lemon mixture to the soup while stirring constantly prevents curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute chicken broth for water for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Kokoshka Soupa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Kokoshka Soupa in individual bowls garnished with a lemon wedge and a sprig of parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Kokoshka Soupa with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Kokoshka Soupa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kokoshka Soupa contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kokoshka Soupa contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kokoshka Soupa contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kokoshka Soupa contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Kokoshka Soupa is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and eggs.

Summary

Kokoshka Soupa is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Kokoshka Soupa is a classic Greek chicken soup that is both hearty and nutritious. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and hint of lemon, this soup is sure to warm you up on a cold day. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family and friends for a taste of Greece in your own home.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Kokoshka Soupa. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, and I loved spending time in the kitchen with her, watching and learning as she prepared delicious meals for our family.

One day, as we were flipping through an old cookbook together, my grandmother came across a recipe for Kokoshka Soupa. She explained to me that it was a traditional Greek chicken soup, made with tender pieces of chicken, flavorful herbs and spices, and hearty vegetables. I was immediately intrigued, and begged her to teach me how to make it.

My grandmother smiled at my enthusiasm and agreed to show me the ropes. We gathered all the ingredients we would need – a whole chicken, onions, celery, carrots, garlic, parsley, and a handful of dried herbs and spices. As we worked together in the kitchen, she shared with me the story of how she had first learned to make Kokoshka Soupa.

It turned out that the recipe had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had brought it with her when she immigrated to America from Greece many years ago. My great-grandmother had taught my grandmother how to make the soup when she was just a young girl, passing on not only the recipe, but also the traditions and memories that went along with it.

My grandmother told me how she had cherished those moments spent in the kitchen with her own grandmother, learning the secrets of Greek cooking and soaking up the wisdom of generations past. She spoke fondly of the smells and sounds of their time together – the sizzle of onions in a hot pan, the fragrant aroma of fresh herbs, and the laughter shared over a steaming pot of soup.

As we cooked together, my grandmother passed on these memories to me, weaving them into the fabric of our own time spent in the kitchen. She showed me how to chop vegetables with precision, how to season the soup with just the right amount of herbs and spices, and how to simmer it all together until the flavors melded into a rich and satisfying broth.

When the soup was finally ready, we sat down together at the table and savored our creation. The Kokoshka Soupa was everything I had hoped for – warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor. I could taste the love and history that had gone into every spoonful, and I felt a deep connection to my roots and my family's culinary heritage.

From that day on, Kokoshka Soupa became a staple in our household, a dish that we would make together time and time again. My grandmother taught me not only how to cook the soup, but also how to appreciate the stories and traditions that came along with it. She instilled in me a love of cooking and a respect for the recipes that had been passed down through the generations.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing Kokoshka Soupa for my own family, I can't help but feel grateful for the lessons that my grandmother taught me all those years ago. The recipe itself is just a small part of the story – the real magic lies in the memories, the connections, and the love that go into every batch of soup. And as I stir the pot and inhale the fragrant aroma of herbs and spices, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that is as old as time itself.