Thick chicken soup with sour cream (Lyvzha)
6 servings
50 minutes
Lyvja is a traditional Ossetian soup that is comforting and nourishing, warming even on the coldest winter days. Its history traces back to the age-old traditions of mountain peoples where food must be hearty and rich. Tender chicken meat, aromatic broth, velvety mashed potatoes, sautéed onions, and sour cream create a unique flavor combination: softness, a slight tanginess, and deep meaty aroma. Garlic adds zest to the dish while thyme brings a spicy freshness. Lyvja is perfect for a family lunch when you want to warm up and enjoy an authentic home taste. It is served with bread or Ossetian pies, immersing you in a cozy dining atmosphere. This soup is not just food but a piece of Ossetian soul conveying hospitality and warmth of the home.
1
The first three processes usually run in parallel. We cut the chicken into convenient pieces (I usually set aside the breasts for a second dish), place it in a 5-liter pot, fill it with cold water, and boil until cooked. The cooked chicken is then transferred to a bowl, salted, sprinkled with finely chopped garlic (2-3 cloves), and left covered to absorb the aromas. Strain the broth and keep it on low heat.
- Chicken: 1.5 kg
- Garlic: 5 clove
- Salt: to taste
2
In another pot, diced potatoes are boiling. Once ready, we will drain the water and mash the potatoes into puree. We can add a little broth.
- Potato: 6 pieces
- Chicken: 1.5 kg
3
On the skillet, onions are stewed in butter. No golden colors or browning. Cooked on low heat until semi-transparent. If you want a thicker soup, you can add a couple of tablespoons of flour. In this case, add it to the onions, mix, and fry until lightly golden.
- Onion: 3 pieces
- Butter: 150 g
- Wheat flour: 2 tablespoons
4
In a pot with slowly boiling broth, add mashed potatoes, cooked onions, sour cream, salt, spices, and squeeze (or finely chop) the remaining garlic. You can also add the chicken there or serve it separately in the soup. Enjoy your meal!
- Potato: 6 pieces
- Onion: 3 pieces
- Sour cream: 1 jar
- Salt: to taste
- Garlic: 5 clove
- Chicken: 1.5 kg