Moldovan Zama
Description
Yes, every housewife prepares zama differently, but the main ingredients are always the same: strong chicken broth, homemade noodles, root vegetables, and rye kvass. Zama is made both on regular days and always the day after a feast. Serve it in bowls and enjoy.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Rinse the chicken meat, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, and simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Drain the first broth. Cover with fresh water, add a peeled onion, allspice, and bay leaf, then bring to a boil. Cover with a lid and simmer over low heat until the meat is tender and easily separates from the bone, for 1 to 2 hours. Remove the meat and strain the broth.
- 2
Step 2
Wash and peel the vegetables.
- 3
Step 3
Finely chop the onion and garlic, grate the carrot on a coarse grater, and thinly slice the lovage (or celery). Ideally, the vegetables should be cut into thin julienne strips. Add the vegetables to the broth and cook for 10 minutes. Cook the noodles separately in a pot of salted water, drain in a colander, then add to the broth.
- 4
Step 4
About five minutes before the soup is ready, season it with rye bran kvass. Salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped fresh herbs. Cover with a lid and let it stand for 5–10 minutes.