Chicken soup

Chicken soup is a classic, comforting dish full of flavor, perfect for any time of the year. This simple chicken soup recipe will not only warm your soul but also bring you the aroma of a home-cooked meal, filled with fresh ingredients. Start preparing this delight and you will discover how easy it is to make a delicious, nutrient-rich soup!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg), cut into pieces
- 1 small celery
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 potato
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 red bell pepper (optional)
- 200 g noodles (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Water (enough to cover the chicken)

Step 1: Preparing the chicken
Start by washing the chicken well under cold running water. Then, cut it into smaller pieces for even cooking. Place the chicken in a large pot and add cold water, enough to completely cover it. Add a teaspoon of salt for flavor. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. It is important to skim off the foam that forms on top of the soup whenever necessary to achieve a clear broth.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, peel and wash all the vegetables. Cut the celery, carrots, onion, and potato into small cubes. These vegetables will add not only flavor but also texture to your soup. If you choose to use the red bell pepper, cut it into thin strips. Adding the bell pepper will give the soup a touch of freshness and vibrant color.

Step 3: Boiling the vegetables
Once the chicken has boiled for about 30 minutes, add the vegetables to the pot. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for another 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. If using noodles, add them 5-7 minutes before turning off the heat to cook them through.

Step 4: Finishing the soup
When the soup is ready, remove the chicken pieces from the pot and let them cool slightly. Remove the skin and bones, then cut the meat into small pieces. Add the meat back into the soup, along with the chopped parsley, for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving suggestion: Serve the soup hot, perhaps with a slice of fresh bread or croutons for added texture. If you want to add a splash of flavor, you can squeeze in some lemon juice or add a few strips of chili pepper.

Vegetarian option: You can transform this chicken soup into a vegetarian recipe by replacing the chicken with mushrooms or tofu and using vegetable broth, resulting in a delicious vegetable soup.

This chicken soup is not only a comforting dish but also a quick and easy recipe, ideal for chilly days or when you need a meal that is easy to prepare. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the authentic flavors of home!