Chicken soup

Chicken soup is a traditional dish, full of flavor and warmth, reminiscent of family meals from childhood. This recipe is not just a simple soup, but a true hug for the soul, perfect on chilly days or when you need a touch of comfort.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken back with wings
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 onions
- 1 carrot
- 2 potatoes
- 1 zucchini
- 500 ml homemade borscht
- A handful of noodles
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh lovage, for serving
- 4 tomatoes

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the chicken meat. Make sure to remove any traces of hair and wash the pieces well under cold running water. This step is essential for obtaining a clear and flavorful soup. Place the meat in a large pot and cover it with cold water. Put it over medium heat and let it boil.

2. Removing the foam: As the meat starts to boil, you will notice foam forming on the surface of the water. Remove this foam with a spoon or skimmer to achieve a clear and tasty broth. This step is important for the final appearance of the soup.

3. Chopping the vegetables: While the meat is boiling, prepare the vegetables. Cut the onions into small cubes, the red bell peppers into thin slices, the carrot into rounds, the potatoes into cubes, and the zucchini into pieces. These vegetables will not only enrich the soup's flavor but will also add a pleasant texture.

4. Boiling the vegetables: After the meat has boiled for about 20 minutes, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Season with salt to taste, but don't overdo it, as the borscht will also add a note of acidity.

5. Adding the borscht: After the vegetables have boiled for about 10-15 minutes, add the homemade borscht. Let the soup boil for another 5-6 minutes. It is important to use homemade borscht, as the taste and aroma will be much more intense than store-bought.

6. The noodles: Towards the end, add the noodles and let them boil for about 10 minutes, until they become soft. The noodles will absorb some of the soup's juice, bringing a pleasant consistency.

7. Completing the soup: Once the noodles are ready, turn off the heat and add the chopped fresh lovage. This aromatic herb adds a touch of freshness and an inviting aroma. It is recommended to add it after turning off the heat to preserve its intense flavor.

8. Serving: The chicken soup is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of homemade bread or with polenta. You can also add hot peppers or sour cream, depending on your preferences.

Practical tips:
- If you want to achieve an even more aromatic soup, you can add a few black peppercorns or a bay leaf during boiling.
- Replace the noodles with homemade pasta for an extra flavor boost.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or spinach, to vary the flavor.

Nutritional benefits: Chicken soup is a dish rich in protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass, and contains vitamins and minerals from vegetables, contributing to a balanced diet. It is also an excellent source of hydration.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, the result will be just as delicious, and turkey will bring a distinct flavor.
- How can I keep the soup longer? Chicken soup keeps well in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for later consumption.
- Is it possible to make the soup without meat? Yes, you can prepare a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with mushrooms or additional vegetables.

This chicken soup is not just a simple recipe, but a cooking ritual that brings people together. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or on an ordinary day, chicken soup will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who taste it. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: chicken back with wings, 2 red peppers, 2 onions, 1 carrot, 2 potatoes, 1 zucchini, salt, 4 tomatoes, a handful of noodles, lovage, 500ml of homemade borscht.