Gastrodiplomacy - Romanian recipes

Ciorba Rădăuțeană: A Comforting Romanian Soup

Ciorba Rădăuțeană is a modern classic of Romanian cuisine, first appearing in 1979 in the town of Rădăuți.
Created as a lighter, more approachable alternative to tripe soup, it quickly earned its own place at the table and in people’s hearts. Its charm lies in balance: a silky broth enriched with sour cream and egg yolks, tender chicken, carrots, and a generous note of garlic, all brought together by a gentle acidity. Creamy without being heavy, comforting without excess, it’s the kind of dish that feels both humble and thoughtfully crafted. More than just a soup, ciorba rădăuțeană reflects the evolution of Romanian home cooking, rooted in tradition, yet open to refinement. A bowl of warmth, history, and quiet nostalgia. It is a must-try!

Ingredients (6 servings)

  • 1 kg chicken (breast and thighs)
  • 3 carrots
  • 1 parsley root
  • 1 parsnip root
  • 1 large onion
  • 1/2 small celery root
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 4–6 garlic cloves
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 500 g full-fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste + a few whole peppercorns
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley
  • White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar to taste
  • Fresh red chili pepper (for serving)

Instructions:

Peel and wash the vegetables. Crush the garlic and finely chop the parsley. In a large pot (approx. 6 liters), place the chicken in water with salt and bring to a boil, skimming off any foam. Add the vegetables and whole peppercorns to the pot and cook over medium heat until everything is tender. Remove the pot from heat. Take out the chicken and vegetables and let them cool slightly. Debone the chicken and cut it into thin strips. Dice the carrots (or cut according to preference). If desired, the rest of the vegetables can also be used in the soup. Strain the broth and return it to the pot. Add the chicken and carrots (or all the vegetables) and a splash of vinegar, and bring to a brief boil. In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks with sour cream, flour, and crushed garlic. Temper the mixture by gradually adding hot broth while stirring. Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the tempered mixture to the pot, stirring constantly for a few minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the pot from the stove and add the chopped parsley. Serve hot with fresh or toasted bread and red chili pepper on the side.

Poftă bună!

La Gourmandise MousseAdina

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