Goldena Yoiche (Ashkenazic Chicken Soup) Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Recipe Yield: 2 quarts
Servings: 10
Recipe Category: Clear Soup
Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, European, Kosher, < 4 Hours
This Goldena Yoiche, a traditional Ashkenazic chicken soup, is a heartwarming dish that holds a special place in Jewish cuisine. Traditionally served during Passover or the Jewish Sabbath, this soup has been a family favorite for generations. The recipe is adapted from The World of Jewish Cooking by Gil Marks, a renowned author whose recipes are known for their authenticity and simplicity. This version is guaranteed to impress your family and friends, as it did at my seder last year.
Perfect for special occasions or simply a cozy meal, this chicken soup is savory, aromatic, and incredibly comforting. The tender chicken, simmered with vegetables, herbs, and spices, makes for a rich and flavorful broth that’s sure to please the taste buds.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roasting chickens | 4-5 chickens |
| Water | 3 quarts |
| Yellow onions | 2 onions |
| Parsley | 6 sprigs |
| Black peppercorns | 8-10 corns |
| Bay leaf | 1 leaf |
| Carrots | 3 carrots |
| Parsnip | 2-3 parsnips |
| Celery | 2 stalks |
| Kosher salt | 2 ½ teaspoons |
| Fresh dill weed | 3 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 271.2 kcal |
| Fat | 18.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 85.6 mg |
| Sodium | 544.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4.1 g |
| Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugar | 1.9 g |
| Protein | 20.6 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by placing the roasting chickens in a large pot. Add enough cool water to cover the chickens completely. -
Bring to a Boil:
Set the pot over high heat and bring it to a boil. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface, using a spoon or ladle to remove them. Let the chicken simmer for 30 minutes. -
Add the Onions:
While the chicken is simmering, peel and slice the onions. Add the sliced onions to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
Peel the parsnip and carrots. Trim the carrots, parsnips, and celery, and cut each into halves or smaller pieces, depending on the size of your pot. -
Add Vegetables and Spices:
To the simmering chicken and onions, add the peppercorns, carrots, celery, parsnip, parsley, and bay leaf. Stir everything together, and cover the pot partway, leaving it slightly open to allow steam to escape. Continue simmering for at least one more hour on low heat. -
Check the Chicken:
After simmering for about an hour, the chicken should be very tender and nearly falling apart. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed. -
Season the Soup:
Add kosher salt and fresh dill to the pot, stirring well. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. -
Chop the Vegetables:
Once the vegetables are tender, remove them from the pot and chop them into spoon-sized pieces. Return the chopped vegetables to the soup. -
Prepare the Chicken Meat:
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Separate the chicken meat from the bones and skin. Shred or cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and return the meat to the soup. -
Serve the Soup:
Serve the Goldena Yoiche hot, accompanied by matzo balls, noodles, or kreplach (Jewish meat-filled dumplings) for an authentic touch. You can also opt to save the chicken meat for another dish, and serve the flavorful broth with just the vegetables and your choice of noodles or dumplings. -
Optional Step – Remove the Fat:
For a cleaner broth, you may chill the soup briefly to allow the fat to solidify. Once it has hardened, remove the fat from the top before reheating the soup to serve. The fat can be saved for use in other recipes, such as matzo balls, for added flavor.
This recipe for Goldena Yoiche is a time-honored classic that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive holiday meal or simply enjoying it on a cozy evening, this chicken soup is sure to become a cherished part of your recipe repertoire. The rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables make it the perfect dish to nourish both body and soul.
