A light, nourishing chicken broth soup with homemade noodles, finished with a generous squeeze of lemon juice that gives it the characteristic sour tang beloved across Moldova.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Presentation Guide
Vessel: deep ceramic bowl
Garnishes: fresh lovage, lemon wedge
Accompaniments: crusty bread, hot peppers
Instructions
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1
Place whole chicken in a large pot with cold water. Bring to a boil, skim foam, then reduce heat and simmer gently for one hour.
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2
Add carrots, onion, celery, and parsnip to the broth. Continue simmering for twenty minutes until vegetables are tender.
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3
Remove chicken, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard skin and bones.
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4
Add homemade egg noodles and cook for five minutes until tender but still firm.
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5
Beat the egg with lemon juice. Temper by slowly adding a ladle of hot broth while whisking, then stir the mixture back into the pot.
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6
Add chopped lovage and parsley. Adjust salt and pepper. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Did You Know?
Zeama is considered the ultimate Moldovan hangover cure and is traditionally served the morning after weddings and large celebrations.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- large stockpot
- cutting board
- rolling pin
Garnishing
fresh lovage, lemon wedge
Accompaniments
crusty bread, hot peppers
The Story Behind Zeama
Zeama is arguably Moldova's most important soup, tracing its roots to medieval peasant cooking where every household raised chickens. The distinctive sour flavor from lemon juice or bors (fermented wheat bran liquid) sets it apart from other Eastern European chicken soups. Every Moldovan grandmother has her own closely guarded recipe, and the soup is so culturally significant that a meal without zeama is considered incomplete in traditional households.
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