Country chicken soup with zucchini

Country Chicken and Zucchini Soup – A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

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

Country Chicken and Zucchini Soup is a traditional recipe, full of flavors and colors, that brings the family together around the table. It is a dish that combines health and taste, bringing a touch of freshness thanks to natural ingredients. This soup is not only tasty but also offers numerous nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamins and minerals.

A Bit of History

Soup is a dish that has evolved over time, with deep roots in culinary traditions. It is a meal that has been prepared in households for generations, each family having its own variation, adapted to the tastes and available ingredients. With each spoonful, we enjoy a part of the history and gastronomic culture of our place.

Ingredients

- 500 g chicken meat (ideally free-range for a more intense flavor)
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 2 potatoes
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for added color)
- 2 onions
- 3 stalks of celery
- A handful of fresh peas
- 1-2 hot peppers (optional, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of borscht
- A bunch of fresh lovage
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by washing all the vegetables well. Cut the chicken meat into suitable pieces, and chop the vegetables (zucchini, potatoes, carrot, bell pepper, onion, celery) into small cubes or rounds, depending on your preference. The tomatoes should be blanched and peeled, and the hot pepper, if you choose to use it, should be sliced thinly. Chop the lovage finely, ready to bring a fresh aroma to your soup.

Step by Step

1. Boiling the Meat
In a large pot, add the chicken meat and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the meat simmer for about 1 hour. This process will allow the meat to become tender and flavorful.

2. Adding the Vegetables
After the meat is nearly cooked, add the cleaned and chopped vegetables: zucchini, potatoes, carrot, bell pepper, onion, and celery. These will add the necessary texture and flavor to your soup. Let everything simmer together for 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

3. Preparing the Tomatoes
When the vegetables are nearly cooked, add the blanched and peeled tomatoes, along with the slices of hot pepper, if you desire a spicy taste. These will add a touch of freshness and beautiful color to the soup.

4. Adjusting the Flavor
Add the borscht (2 tablespoons are sufficient for a slightly sour taste) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes for the flavors to combine.

5. Finishing the Dish
Turn off the heat and add the finely chopped lovage. This will give a fresh taste and unmistakable aroma to your soup.

Serving and Suggestions

Country Chicken and Zucchini Soup is served hot, with a slice of fresh bread or polenta on the side. You can garnish it with a bit of fresh lovage for a more appealing look. This soup is perfect for a family meal but can also be a comforting lunch on cooler days.

Variations

If you want to add a touch of originality to the recipe, you can also include other vegetables, such as bell peppers or even green beans. Additionally, you can replace the chicken with beef or pork to experiment with different flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use frozen chicken. Make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the pot.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
If you like spicy food, you can add more slices of hot pepper or even a dash of hot sauce.

3. How long does the soup keep in the fridge?
The soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken and full of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Zucchini is an excellent source of fiber, and tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, lovage adds a boost of vitamins, contributing to overall health.

Calories

This soup recipe contains approximately 150 calories per serving, depending on the amount of meat and vegetables used, making it a healthy and filling option.

Conclusion

Country Chicken and Zucchini Soup is a dish that brings together tradition and innovation in the kitchen. It is a simple recipe but full of flavor and nutrients, perfect for any occasion. By trying this recipe, you not only enjoy a delicious dish but also share beautiful moments with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: chicken meat, 2 zucchinis, 4 tomatoes, 2 potatoes, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 2 onions, 3 stalks of celery, a handful of fresh peas, chili pepper, magic borscht, a bunch of lovage, salt, pepper

 Tags:  soup chicken country chicken bors zucchini