Moldovan Zeama (Chicken Soup) Recipe
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Loading... - Nubia Bakir
- 04 Apr 2025
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Zeama is a traditional Moldovan chicken soup that is hearty, flavorful, and often enjoyed as a comforting dish. It’s typically made with fresh ingredients and can be customized with various vegetables and herbs. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious soup at home.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 2-3 medium carrots, diced
- 1-2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups of water or chicken broth
- Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), chopped for garnish
- 1 cup of egg noodles or homemade pasta (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and cover them with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Once the chicken is boiling, add the chopped onion, carrots, bell pepper, and potatoes to the pot. Stir in the minced garlic and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If using a whole chicken, it should easily pull away from the bone.
- Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set them aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones and discard the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- If you’re using noodles, add them to the soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until they are tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle the zeama into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Tips
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, zucchini, or even greens like spinach for added nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: Zeama is often served with a side of sour cream and crusty bread for dipping.
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy your homemade Moldovan Zeama, a comforting and nourishing chicken soup that brings warmth and flavor to your table.
