Rustic chicken soup

Country Chicken Soup - A Warm Embrace in Your Pot

Country chicken soup is a comforting dish, full of flavors and colors, perfect for cool days or family weekend meals. This simple and quick recipe, with fresh vegetables and juicy meat, will surely win you over. Moreover, it is an excellent choice for little ones, thanks to its healthy ingredients and delicate taste. Let’s begin our journey into the world of soups!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 slice of celery
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 large potato
- 500 g chicken breast
- 1 cup green peas (about 150 g)
- 1 cup tomato puree (about 250 g)
- 100 ml oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- Fresh dill, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for serving

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the vegetables under cold running water. Peel the onion, carrot, bell pepper, celery, zucchini, and potato. Chop the onion finely, and dice the carrot, bell pepper, and celery into small cubes, while cutting the zucchini and potato into larger cubes. This step is crucial, especially for ensuring even cooking of the vegetables.

2. Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and bell pepper, and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. This step will intensify the flavors and add a special taste to your soup.

3. Add the chicken breast
Wash the chicken breast and cut it into large cubes. Add it to the pot and mix well, so that the meat is coated with the flavored oil. Cook the chicken breast for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Boil the soup
Add 4 liters of water and salt to taste. Let it boil for 15 minutes over medium heat. It is important to remove the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear and tasty soup.

5. Add the vegetables
After 15 minutes, add the potato, zucchini, and green peas. Continue to boil the soup for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Make sure not to overcook them to preserve their texture and nutrients.

6. Season
At the end of cooking, add the tomato puree, pepper, and sweet paprika. Mix well and let the soup boil for another 5-10 minutes. This final step will give the soup a vibrant color and delicious aroma.

7. Serving
Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly. Serve the country chicken soup in a deep bowl, garnished with freshly chopped dill and parsley. This will add a touch of freshness and an attractive appearance to your dish.

Practical tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few sprigs of thyme or bay leaf at the beginning of cooking.
- To make the soup even more filling, you can add other vegetables, such as parsnip or cauliflower.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use skinless chicken or opt for turkey breast.

Nutritional information:
This soup is low in calories, with approximately 200 calories per serving, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, protein from the chicken, and fiber from the peas.

The history of country chicken soup is filled with culinary traditions, having been prepared for generations in various corners of the world. Over time, it has evolved, adapting to available ingredients and regional tastes, becoming a symbol of comfort and family meals.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. Additionally, you can enjoy the soup with a glass of dry white wine or an aromatic herbal tea to complete the culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken with bones?
Yes, chicken with bones adds a deeper flavor to the soup. Make sure to cook it longer to extract all the flavors.

2. How can I store the soup?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to retain all the flavors.

3. Can I make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of water to create a delicious meat-free soup.

Country chicken soup is not just a dish, but a story that is written in every pot. Share this recipe with loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together at the table, because, after all, cooking is about love and community. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 red bell pepper, a slice of celery, 1 small zucchini, 1 large potato, 500 g chicken breast, 1 cup green peas, 1 cup tomato broth, 100 ml oil, salt, paprika, pepper, fresh dill, fresh parsley

 Tags:  soup peasant chicken vegetables