Mom's chicken soup

Mom's chicken soup - a recipe that evokes warm memories and unforgettable moments spent around the table. This soup is not just a simple meal; it is a warm hug in a bowl, a combination of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger. Cooked with love and with a free-range chicken, this dumpling soup recipe is perfect for chilly days or for moments when you want to treat yourself to something truly special.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Total time: 3 hours
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1 free-range chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 2 large carrots
- 1 large onion
- 1 celery root
- 1 parsley root
- 1 kohlrabi (optional)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 soup cubes (Knorr or other brand)
- 4 farm eggs
- Approximately 400 g semolina (adjustable quantity, depending on the size of the eggs)

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the chicken. Wash the meat well and cut it into pieces. Get into the cooking rhythm and remember the moments spent in your mother's kitchen. Place the chicken pieces in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Put the pot on medium heat.

2. Once the water starts to boil, you will notice the foam forming on the surface. This is an essential part of the process! Use a skimmer to remove impurities. Skim multiple times to achieve a clear and delicious soup.

3. After about an hour of boiling, when the meat is halfway cooked, add the cleaned and whole vegetables: carrots, onion, celery, parsley, and, if desired, kohlrabi. Also add the 3 soup cubes for extra flavor. Continue to simmer the soup on low heat, covered, for another 1-2 hours, depending on how tender the chicken is. The meat should be so tender that it easily comes off the bone.

4. When the meat is cooked, remove it along with the vegetables from the pot. Use a fork to check if the meat is cooked - it should easily fall apart. Set the vegetables aside, and you can cut the meat into cubes or strips, depending on your preference.

5. Now, let's take care of the carrots! Cut the boiled carrots into larger rounds and sauté them on low heat in 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil. This will intensify the flavor and add a pleasant texture to your soups.

6. The juice resulting from sautéing the carrots will add a wonderful taste to your soups. Add it to the pot with soup, but don't forget to remove the sautéed carrots.

7. Now let's prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the semolina and mix well until you obtain a firmer, yet moldable mixture. Remember, the secret to perfect dumplings is that they should not be too soft, but not too hard either.

8. Use a fork to take portions of the dumpling mixture and carefully place them in the simmering soup. Dip the fork into the soup and let the dumplings detach by themselves. If you notice they are spreading, add a little more semolina to the mixture.

9. Simmer the soup covered for 5 minutes, then add a cup of cold water to stop the rapid boiling of the dumplings. Cover again and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

10. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking!

Serving:

Now that the soup is ready, serve it hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. You can also add some slices of toasted bread or croutons for extra texture. It is delicious and simple, perfect for bringing the family together around the table. If you wish, you can accompany the soup with a refreshing drink, such as a fruit compote, which will provide a pleasant contrast.

Practical tips:

- Use a free-range chicken to achieve an authentic taste and a rich soup. If you don't have access to such a chicken, you can use a farm chicken, but the flavor won't be as deep.
- Try to make the soup a day in advance; the flavors intensify, and the soup becomes even tastier.
- If you want a less fatty soup, you can cool the soup and remove the layer of fat from the surface before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with mushrooms and use seasonal vegetables to create a delicious soup.

Nutritional benefits:

This chicken soup is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. The chicken is an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, the semolina dumplings offer carbohydrates that will give you energy.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other vegetables? Of course! You can add zucchini, bell peppers, or even potatoes, depending on your preferences.
- How can I store the soup? It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze the soup in portions to have it on hand whenever you need a warm bowl of comfort.
- What other recipes can I try? If you enjoy the taste of chicken soup, also try a vegetable soup or a creamy mushroom soup, which are equally comforting and delicious.

Remember, every soup has its story, and this mom's chicken soup is one of the most beautiful! I invite you to try it and share your memories related to lovingly cooked meals. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 country hen 2 large carrots 1 large onion 1 celery root 1 parsley root 1 kohlrabi (optional) salt, pepper 3 Knorr cubes 4 home eggs approximately 400 g semolina (more or less depending on the size of the eggs)

 Tags:  chicken soup