Country-style chicken soup

Rustic chicken soup, a nostalgic and comforting recipe, is a classic dish that reminds us of family Sunday meals. This rich, flavorful, and nutritious soup is an excellent choice for any season, being not only filling but also healthy. In the following, I will guide you step by step through the process of preparing a delicious rustic chicken soup, providing you with useful tips and information about the ingredients.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 500 g chicken giblets (liver, hearts, gizzards)
- 3 medium onions
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 small celery
- 6-8 potatoes
- 1 tablespoon rice
- 100 g noodles (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons vegeta (or to taste)
- 500 ml borscht (or to taste)
- 1 liter of bottled vegetable juice (tomatoes and bell peppers)
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2-3 eggs
- A bunch of fresh lovage

Nutritional information:
Rustic chicken soup is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken giblets are rich in B vitamins, which contribute to the health of the nervous system, while the vegetables add fiber and antioxidants. This recipe is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy a filling and nutrient-rich dish.

Step by step: Preparing rustic chicken soup

1. Preparing the giblets: Start by thoroughly washing the chicken giblets under cold running water. It is essential to remove any impurities. After washing, place them in a large pot and cover them with water.

2. Boiling the giblets: Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. When it starts to boil, you will notice foam forming on the surface. It is important to remove all the foam with a skimmer, as it can negatively affect the appearance and taste of the soup.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the giblets are boiling, wash, peel, and chop the vegetables. Cut the onion into quarters, and dice the carrots, parsnip, celery, and potatoes. If you want a more intense flavor, you can leave a whole onion to boil and remove it at the end.

4. Adding the vegetables: After about 30 minutes of boiling, check if the giblets are half-cooked. At this point, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. If you have bottled vegetable juice, now is the ideal time to add it. This will enrich the soup with flavor and color.

5. Seasoning: Add salt and vegeta to taste. If you want a more colorful soup, now is the time to add the tomato paste. This will give the soup a special hue and rich flavor.

6. Adding rice and noodles: After the vegetables have boiled for 10-15 minutes, wash the rice under cold water and add it to the pot. If you choose to use noodles, you can add them at this step, being careful not to leave them on the heat for too long so that they do not become mushy.

7. Borscht: When the vegetables and rice are almost cooked, add the borscht. The amount of borscht depends on how sour you want the soup to be. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes.

8. Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well. After turning off the heat, add the eggs to the soup, stirring continuously with a fork to achieve a "shredded" effect.

9. Finishing: Finely chop the lovage and sprinkle it over the soup before serving. This will add a fresh and aromatic note.

Serving suggestion: Rustic chicken soup is served hot, alongside a spicy pepper or a slice of fresh bread. You can also accompany it with sour cream, which will add an extra layer of flavor.

Tips and variations: You can experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, depending on the season. If you want a lighter version, you can use chicken breast instead of giblets. Also, for a spicier soup, you can add a little hot pepper.

Rustic chicken soup is not only a delicious dish but also a recipe full of memories and traditions that brings the family together around the table. I encourage you to try it, put your own twist on it, and enjoy every spoonful!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before using.
- Can I replace the rice with another ingredient? Yes, you can use quinoa or buckwheat for a gluten-free option.
- How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the flavor gets even better the next day.

This soup is perfect for chilly days, but also to bring a touch of warmth and comfort to everyday life. Enjoy the preparation and savor every moment spent in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: chicken giblets, 4 onions, 3 medium carrots, 1 parsnip, 1 celery, 6 - 8 potatoes, 1 tablespoon rice, noodles, salt, seasoning, borscht, vegetables (tomatoes/bell peppers) (bottled in 1 l glass), tomato paste, 2-3 eggs, lovage

 Tags:  chicken soup