Chikhirtma in Old Georgian

12 servings

40 minutes

Chikhirtma is a traditional Georgian soup known for its rich flavor and velvety texture. Its history dates back to ancient Georgian cuisine when dishes were made with simple yet rich ingredients. The base of the soup is chicken broth prepared with aromatic spices and plenty of onions. The uniqueness of chikhirtma lies in its thickening method—rather than using common grains or potatoes, a mixture of flour, egg yolks, and wine vinegar is used to give the soup thickness and a slight tanginess. Fresh cilantro complements the dish with vibrant herbal notes. Chikhirtma is perfect for cold days, warming and satisfying, and is traditionally served at feasts alongside Georgian dishes. It’s not just a soup—it’s true culinary poetry that combines tradition and rich flavor.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 698
• Proteins: 26.8g
• Fats: 60.5g
• Carbohydrates: 11.7g

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1 pc
• Chicken egg: 8 pc
• Wheat flour: 80 g
• Coriander: 50 g
• Garlic: 50 g
• Onion: 500 g
• Vegetable oil: 50 ml
• Butter: 500 g
• White wine vinegar: 80 ml

Cooking steps

1. Add 5 liters of water to the chicken and boil it (remove skin and bones after boiling).

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken: 1 piece
   • Onion: 500 g
   • Garlic: 50 g

2. We take out the chicken.

3. We take both types of oil and sauté the onion and garlic over low heat.

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil: 50 ml
   • Butter: 500 g
   • Onion: 500 g
   • Garlic: 50 g

4. We separate the cilantro stem and chop it finely, then sauté for 15 minutes. We do not throw away the cilantro flowers, as we will need them later.

   Required ingredients:

   • Coriander: 50 g

5. Add 40 g of flour and continue to sauté.

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat flour: 80 g

6. Pour in 4 liters of broth and bring to a boil.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken: 1 piece

7. While the broth is coming to a boil, we prepare the next step.

8. Take 8 yolks, add 40 g of vinegar, whisk, and gradually add the remaining flour.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken egg: 8 pieces
   • White wine vinegar: 80 ml
   • Wheat flour: 80 g

9. By this time the broth is ready, we cool it slightly and gradually add hot broth to the bowl with yolk and vinegar, and then when this mixture warms up, we pour it back into the broth to avoid a sharp temperature drop.

10. We bring the soup to a boil again.

11. We add salt and black pepper, and check if there is enough vinegar.

    Required ingredients:

    • White wine vinegar: 80 ml

12. We add chicken and cilantro.

    Required ingredients:

    • Chicken: 1 piece
    • Coriander: 50 g