Chicken soup with dumplings

Chicken soup with dumplings - a true indulgence for the senses

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

There aren't many dishes that remind us of childhood like chicken soup with dumplings. This classic recipe, full of flavors and comfort, is perfect for a chilly day or to soothe your soul after a long day. The aroma of slowly cooked fresh chicken, combined with aromatic vegetables, takes us back to family Sunday meals. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 1 medium-sized free-range chicken (not old, for a clear and tasty broth)
- 1 bunch of carrots (about 3-4 carrots)
- 1 piece of parsley root
- 1 piece of parsnip (for a sweet taste)
- 1 medium-sized celery (usually about 150-200g)
- 1 medium kohlrabi
- 1 onion (preferably left whole for a subtle flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of peppercorns
- Salt to taste
- A bunch of fresh parsley (for garnish and flavor)

For the dumplings:
- 2 fresh eggs
- 12 tablespoons of semolina (for a fluffy texture)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- A pinch of baking soda (to make them fluffier)

Preparing the soup

1. Boiling the meat
In a large pot, add 4-5 liters of water and place the cleaned and cut chicken. Wait for it to boil, then use a skimmer to remove the foam from the surface. This step is essential for obtaining a clear broth.

2. Adding the vegetables
After skimming well, add the cleaned, washed, and roughly chopped vegetables. You can leave the onion whole to give the soup a subtle flavor.

3. Seasoning
Add the salt and peppercorns, then cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for about 1 hour, or until the meat and vegetables are well cooked.

4. Straining the soup
Once the soup is ready, remove the vegetables and meat from the pot. Strain the soup into another clean pot, letting it sit for a moment while you prepare the dumplings.

Preparing the dumplings

1. Beating the eggs
In a deep bowl, crack the two eggs and beat them well with a fork. Add the salt and baking soda, mixing a little to incorporate them.

2. Adding the semolina
Start adding the semolina gradually, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes homogeneous and has the consistency of thicker sour cream. This is the key to fluffy dumplings, so don't rush!

3. Boiling the dumplings
Put a pot of water to boil. When the water starts to boil, use a spoon to break off pieces of the dumpling mixture and let them boil for about 10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Adding the dumplings to the soup
After 10 minutes, remove the dumplings from the water with a skimmer and add them to the strained soup.

5. Serving
Garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. If you wish, you can cut the vegetables and meat into smaller pieces to add to the soup or serve them separately.

Tips and tricks

- Choosing the chicken: A young free-range chicken will give a tastier broth, full of flavors. Avoid old hens, which can make the soup greasier and harder to digest.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with vegetables according to your preferences. For example, by adding bell peppers or potatoes, you can give the soup a different note.
- Dumplings: If you want fluffier dumplings, you can replace part of the semolina with wheat flour. You can also add herbs to the dumpling mixture for extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken soup is an excellent source of quality protein, and the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. This dish is easy to digest, making it ideal for days when you need comfort. Chicken contains collagen, which is beneficial for skin, joints, and the immune system.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken meat instead of hen?
Yes, you can use chicken meat, but chicken soup has a richer and deeper flavor.

2. How can I store the soup?
The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing.

3. What can I serve alongside this soup?
Chicken soup with dumplings pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or toasted bread croutons. A green salad can also complement the meal.

Conclusion

Chicken soup with dumplings is more than just a dish; it is a recipe full of memories and traditions. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will bring joy and comfort in every bowl. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Supa: -1 gaina de casa potrivit de mare (nu batrana) -1 legatura de morcovi -1 buc. patrunjel radacina -1 bucata pastarnac -1 telina potrivit de mare -1 gulie de marime mijlocie -1 ceapa -1 lingura piper boabe -sare dupa gust -patrunjel verde Galuste: -2 oua -12 linguri rase de gris -1 lingurita de sare -1 varf de lingurita de bicarbonat

 Tags:  dumpling soup chicken soup