Kurja Juha

Kurja Juha Recipe from Slovenia | Ingredients: Chicken, Saffron, Vegetables

Region / culture: Slovenia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1-2 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Kurja Juha is a traditional Slovenian chicken soup that is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. This soup is perfect for cold winter days or when you are feeling under the weather.

History

Kurja Juha has been a staple in Slovenian cuisine for generations. It is a simple and wholesome soup that is often made with ingredients that are readily available in the pantry. This soup is often served as a starter or as a main course with some bread on the side.

Ingredients

40 decagrams of chicken (preferably old hen)
1 liter of water
salt to taste
1 pinch of saffron or mace
1 small onion
1 rib of celery
2 carrots
1 sprig of parsley
pepper to taste

How to prepare

Place the chicken in a soup kettle, add water, and bring it to a boil.
Add salt and vegetables.
Simmer for 1–2 hours or until the chicken is tender.
If desired, you can add a pinch of saffron or mace to give it a distinct flavor.
When ready to serve, you can add cooked noodles or rice.
The chicken can be used plain, creamed, or in a salad.

Variations

You can add some diced potatoes or leeks to Kurja Juha for extra flavor and texture. You can also add some dumplings or noodles for a heartier soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of Kurja Juha, you can roast the chicken before adding it to the soup kettle. This will give the soup a rich and savory flavor. Additionally, you can add some garlic or bay leaves for extra depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Kurja Juha is best served hot with some crusty bread on the side. You can also garnish it with some fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup slowly will allow the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender. Be sure to skim off any impurities that rise to the surface of the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use turkey or duck instead of chicken in Kurja Juha for a different flavor. You can also use different vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, in place of the carrots and celery.

Make Ahead Tips

Kurja Juha can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Kurja Juha in a large soup tureen with some fresh herbs sprinkled on top. You can also serve it in individual bowls with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

Kurja Juha pairs well with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Kurja Juha can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kurja Juha contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kurja Juha contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kurja Juha contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Kurja Juha contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Kurja Juha is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Kurja Juha contains chicken and celery, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Kurja Juha is a nutritious and delicious soup that is rich in proteins and vitamins. It is a comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter days.

Summary

Kurja Juha is a classic Slovenian chicken soup that is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. This soup is perfect for cold winter days or when you are feeling under the weather. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious soup with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Kurja Juha. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling marketplace of my hometown. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and freshly baked bread, and my senses were in a frenzy as I wandered through the colorful stalls, searching for something new to try.

As I passed by a small, unassuming booth tucked away in a corner, a kind old woman beckoned me over with a warm smile. She was stirring a large pot of bubbling soup, and the fragrant steam wafted towards me, making my mouth water. Intrigued, I approached her and asked what she was cooking.

"Kurja Juha," she replied, with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a traditional Slovenian chicken soup, passed down through generations in my family. Would you like to try some?"

I eagerly accepted her offer and took a sip of the rich, flavorful broth. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before – a perfect balance of savory chicken, earthy vegetables, and aromatic herbs. I savored every spoonful, feeling like I had stumbled upon a hidden treasure.

In that moment, I knew I had to learn how to make Kurja Juha for myself. The old woman graciously shared her recipe with me, explaining each step in detail and imparting her wisdom gained from years of experience. She told me about the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients, the art of simmering the soup slowly to develop its flavors, and the secret ingredient – a pinch of love added at the end.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I rushed home to my own kitchen, eager to recreate the magic of Kurja Juha. I gathered all the ingredients – a plump, free-range chicken, crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and homemade chicken broth – and set to work, following the old woman's instructions to the letter.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling my home with its tantalizing aroma, I felt a sense of anticipation building within me. I knew that this dish would not only nourish my body but also warm my soul, connecting me to a long line of cooks who had lovingly prepared it before me.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into a bowl and took my first spoonful. The flavors were just as I remembered – bold and comforting, with a depth that spoke of time-honored tradition. I closed my eyes and let the taste wash over me, feeling a sense of pride and gratitude for having learned such a special recipe.

Since that day, Kurja Juha has become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that I make for my family and friends on special occasions and ordinary days alike. Each time I prepare it, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in the marketplace, where I first discovered the magic of this humble soup.

As I grow older, I realize that the true beauty of cooking lies not just in the flavors and textures of the food itself but in the stories and memories that accompany each dish. Kurja Juha will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the kindness of strangers, the joy of discovery, and the simple pleasures of sharing a meal with loved ones.

And so, I pass on this recipe with love and gratitude, hoping that others will experience the same delight and wonder that I did on that fateful day. For in the act of cooking and sharing food, we connect not only with each other but with the rich tapestry of our collective past, weaving a new chapter in the story of Kurja Juha for generations to come.