RASSOLNIK WITH RICE (RUSSIAN PICKLE SOUP)

Steps:

• Rinse chicken under cold running water. Place in a large pot, add water to cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Skim off foam and reduce heat to low.
• Meanwhile, peel one onion and chop coarsely. Slice the other onion and set aside. Cut pickles into julienne strips.
• Add chopped onion, peppercorns, and bay leaf to the pot with the chicken and simmer until the meat is tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Remove chicken thighs from the broth and cut into thin slices. Discard bones.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook sliced onion and pickles until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste until well combined.
• Remove chopped onion from stock with a slotted spoon. Add rice to the stock and cook for 3 minutes. Add cubed potatoes, pickle-onion mixture, and chicken slices. Continue to cook until rice and vegetables are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream.