Chicken soup

Chicken soup is a traditional dish loved by everyone who appreciates a warm and comforting meal. This recipe not only combines the natural flavors of the ingredients but also offers a culinary experience that evokes family memories and moments spent together at the table. The soup is a symbol of hospitality and warmth, served in various versions throughout the year. So, let's get cooking!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg) or 4 chicken thighs
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 large carrot
- 1 onion (medium size)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2-3 tablespoons of vegeta (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 200-250 ml of borscht (or to taste)
- 150 g of noodles
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Preparation
1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into smaller pieces (legs, breast, wings). If using a whole chicken, cut it into smaller pieces. Then, to remove any remaining feathers on the skin, hold it over the flame for a few seconds. This simple trick ensures clean and tasty meat. After this, wash the chicken pieces under cold running water.

2. Boiling the chicken: In an 8-liter pot, add water up to about 3/4 of its capacity. Bring the water to a boil and add the chicken pieces. As the water begins to boil, foam will form. Use a spoon to remove all the foam that forms on the surface. This is an important step to achieve a clear and appetizing soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: After removing the foam, add the diced red and green bell peppers, finely chopped onion, grated carrot, and chopped parsley to the pot. These vegetables will add a note of vitality and fresh flavor to the soup.

4. Adjusting the taste: Let the soup boil over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is well cooked and easily separates from the bone. Then, add the borscht, which will give the soup a pleasant acidity. Measure the borscht according to how sour you want the dish to be. Also, add the vegeta and pepper, stirring gently.

5. Adding the noodles: When the meat is almost cooked, add the noodles. You can add one or two handfuls, depending on how much you like them. Let the soup boil for another 10-15 minutes until the noodles are ready.

6. Finishing the dish: When the soup is ready, turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added flavor and freshness.

Serving
Chicken soup is served hot, optionally with a spoonful of sour cream on top. This adds creaminess and enriches the flavor of the dish. It can be enjoyed alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta, perfectly complementing this comforting main course.

Useful tips
- Choosing the chicken: A free-range chicken will provide a more intense flavor, but a regular farm chicken will work very well too.
- Borscht: It can be replaced with lemon juice or vinegar, but the taste will be different. Borscht is a tradition and offers an authentic taste.
- Vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to achieve a more varied soup.
- Noodles: You can use homemade noodles, but store-bought ones are just as good. If you want a healthier option, use whole wheat noodles.

Nutritional benefits
Chicken soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals due to its natural ingredients. It is filling and easy to digest, making it perfect for a comforting main meal. Additionally, consuming hot soup can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms.

Frequently asked questions
- How long does chicken soup last in the fridge? Chicken soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure it is well covered.
- Can chicken soup be frozen? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add the noodles before freezing. They may become soft upon thawing.
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Sure! Turkey soup will have a slightly different taste but will be just as delicious.

Chicken soup is a simple and quick recipe but with a deep and inviting flavor. With each spoonful, you will feel the warmth and love that goes into every carefully prepared dish. Try it, and you will fall in love with it!

 Ingredients: a chicken of 1 kg and something or 4 chicken thighs, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, 1 carrot, a medium onion, parsley, vegeta, pepper, sour cream, noodles, bors for souring (I am Moldovan, and that's why there is no soup without bors)

 Tags:  chicken onion pepper sour cream bors