Kholodets z Kurky ta Ovochevamy
Chicken and Vegetable Aspic
A lighter, yet flavorful version of the traditional Ukrainian kholodets, this recipe uses chicken and a colorful array of vegetables to create a savory jelly. It's a popular appetizer, often served chilled with horseradish or mustard.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Whole chicken or chicken parts(including bones for richer broth)
- 2 liters Water
- 2 medium Carrots(one for broth, one for garnish)
- 1 large Onion(peeled)
- 2 stalks Celery stalks
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 10 pieces Black peppercorns
- 2 tbsp Gelatin powder(or as per package instructions for 2 liters of liquid)
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 cup Fresh dill or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 2 optional, for garnish Hard-boiled eggs
- for serving Horseradish or mustard
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the chicken, one peeled carrot, the whole onion, celery stalks, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
💡 Tip: Using chicken with bones will yield a richer gelatinous broth. - 2
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and falling off the bone. The longer it simmers, the more flavor the broth will have.
💡 Tip: Maintain a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. - 3
Remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or pot, discarding the solids. You should have about 1.5-2 liters of broth.
💡 Tip: For extra clarity, line the sieve with cheesecloth. - 4
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, debone it and shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard skin and bones.
- 5
Boil the remaining carrot until tender, then dice it finely for garnish. If using hard-boiled eggs, peel and slice them.
- 6
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over about 1/2 cup of the strained broth and let it bloom for 5-10 minutes. Gently heat the bloomed gelatin mixture (do not boil) until dissolved.
- 7
Stir the dissolved gelatin mixture into the remaining strained broth. Season generously with salt to taste. The broth should be well-seasoned as it will be less flavorful when cold.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust salt carefully; it should be slightly saltier than you'd normally prefer. - 8
Arrange the shredded chicken, diced carrot, and optional sliced eggs in decorative patterns in individual serving molds or a shallow dish. Pour the seasoned broth over the chicken and vegetables.
- 9
Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or until completely set and firm. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Cover the molds loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the surface from drying out. - 10
To serve, unmold the kholodets onto plates or serve directly from the dish. Accompany with horseradish or mustard.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of the broth is key to a good kholodets. Simmering for a long time with bones is essential.
- ✓Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved and incorporated evenly.
- ✓Chill thoroughly for the best texture and flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other cooked vegetables like peas or corn.
- Use turkey or a mix of poultry for the broth.
- Incorporate a small amount of cooked pork for a richer flavor, though this moves closer to the traditional pork kholodets.