Chicken soup with semolina dumplings
Chicken soup with semolina dumplings – a classic recipe filled with the nostalgia of childhood, perfect for chilly days or when we crave a warm hug in a bowl. This soup is not only extremely comforting but also an excellent source of nutrients, providing protein from the meat, vitamins from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the dumplings. Here’s how to prepare it step by step, to achieve a perfect result every time.
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6
Ingredients needed:
For the soup:
- 1 chicken (approximately 1.5 kg), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 large onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 medium potato
- 1 medium celery
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1 bunch of fresh chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (approximately 3-4 liters)
For the dumplings:
- 3 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 tablespoons of semolina
Preparing the soup:
1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken well under cold running water. If you prefer a richer soup, you can leave the skin on the chicken. Place the chicken in a 5-liter pot and cover it with water up to halfway. Put the pot on medium heat.
2. Removing the foam: As the chicken boils, foam will form on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove this foam so that the soup remains clear and clean.
3. Adding the vegetables: After removing the foam, peel and wash the vegetables. Cut the carrots into rounds, the celery and potato into cubes, and leave the onion whole (this will give it a more aromatic flavor, and you will remove it at the end). Cut the bell pepper in half, and you can add the parsnip whole. Peel the garlic and add it to the pot.
4. Boiling the vegetables: Let the soup boil on medium heat until the vegetables are almost cooked, about 30 minutes. If you want a finer soup, remove the onion, parsnip, and bell pepper after they have given the desired flavor.
Preparing the dumplings:
5. Separating the eggs: In a clean bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Preparing the mixture: In another bowl, beat the yolks with salt and pepper. Gradually add the semolina, mixing gently. Then, fold in the beaten egg whites, being careful to maintain the air in the foam.
7. Forming the dumplings: Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Using a fork or spoon, form dumplings and carefully add them to the hot soup.
8. Boiling the dumplings: Add a cup of cold water to the pot 2-3 times to maintain a constant temperature. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, until they become fluffy and soft.
Finishing the soup:
9. Finalizing: Turn off the heat and add the fresh chopped parsley on top. If desired, you can also add rice noodles or regular noodles for added consistency.
10. Serving: Serve the soup hot, alongside toasted bread croutons for a crunchy contrast.
Helpful tips:
- For a more intense flavor: Add spices like sweet paprika or bay leaves during cooking.
- Variations: If you want a spicier soup, you can add a little chili or cayenne pepper.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, providing essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nourishing and easily digestible meal.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, just make sure it is completely thawed before cooking.
- How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later use.
Delicious pairings:
This chicken soup with semolina dumplings pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a warm herbal tea, offering a complete culinary experience.
Chicken soup with semolina dumplings is more than just a recipe; it is a family tradition, a symbol of comfort and warmth. Each spoonful will take you back in time to meals spent with loved ones. So, embrace this recipe and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!
Ingredients: 1 chicken 3 carrots 1 parsnip 1 onion 1 bell pepper 1 medium potato 1 medium celery 3-4 garlic cloves 1 bunch of fresh chopped parsley For dumplings: 3 eggs salt and pepper to taste 15 tablespoons of semolina
