Chicken soup (from the backyard)

Free-range chicken soup – A traditional recipe full of flavors and stories

Free-range chicken soup is more than just a simple broth; it's a dish that evokes memories of Sunday meals, the joy of family gatherings, and the aromas from grandma's kitchen. This recipe will transform your kitchen into a warm and welcoming place, where each ingredient contributes to a delicious result. Let’s embark together on a delightful journey into the world of chicken soup!

Preparation time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: 6-8

Ingredients
- 4 medium onions
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 bell pepper (any color you prefer)
- 1 small celery
- 1 kg poultry meat (preferably free-range)
- 1 liter of cabbage juice
- 3.5 liters of water
- Salt, to taste
- 4 fresh tomatoes (or 400 g canned tomatoes)
- 1 bunch of lovage (fresh, dried, or frozen)

Ingredient details
- Poultry meat: Use free-range chicken if available, as it provides a richer flavor and a more pleasant texture. Free-range chicken is often juicier and more flavorful than industrially raised birds.

- Vegetables: Onion, carrot, bell pepper, and celery are the base of the soup. You can also add other vegetables, such as parsley or zucchini, for extra flavor and nutrients.

- Cabbage juice: This is an essential ingredient that adds a pleasant acidity to the soup. Make sure it is of good quality, ideally from homemade preserves.

Preparation technique
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning and finely chopping the vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the carrots, and chop the bell pepper and celery. These cuts help release flavors during cooking.

2. Preparing the meat: The poultry must be thoroughly washed. Place it in a large pot with enough water to cover it and bring to a boil. It is recommended to discard the first water to remove impurities that may affect the soup's taste.

3. Boiling the meat: After discarding the first water, add the meat back into the pot, add 3.5 liters of fresh water, and salt to taste. Let it boil over medium heat, skimming off the foam that forms on the surface.

4. Adding the vegetables: After about 30 minutes, check if the meat is nearly cooked. Add the chopped vegetables (onion, carrots, bell pepper, and celery) and let them boil together with the meat.

5. Tomatoes: When the vegetables start to soften, add the diced tomatoes. It is said that tomatoes help to strengthen the meat and vegetables, so do not neglect them.

6. Cabbage juice: After the tomatoes have boiled for about 10 minutes, add the cabbage juice. Let the soup come to a boil.

7. Noodles: Finally, add the noodles, which require no more than 3 minutes of boiling. They will absorb the flavors of the soup and add a pleasant texture to the dish.

8. Lovage: In the last minutes of cooking, add the lovage, whether fresh, dried, or frozen. This will bring a fresh taste and intensify the flavors.

Chef's tip
- Customization: You can also add other spices, such as pepper or bay leaves, to customize the flavor. If you like spicy soups, feel free to add a finely chopped chili pepper.

- Variations: Instead of noodles, you can use rice or even pasta. Each variation will bring a new taste to your soup.

Serving
Serve the free-range chicken soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread and a sprinkle of fresh lovage on top. You can accompany it with creamy sour cream for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional benefits
This soup is not only delicious but also nourishing. Poultry meat is an excellent source of protein, and the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Cabbage juice contains probiotics that aid digestion. Additionally, it is a lighter choice compared to other heavy dishes, having around 150-200 calories per serving, depending on the proportions of the ingredients.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can use pork or beef, but the cooking time will vary.

- How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for later consumption.

- Is free-range chicken soup suitable for children? Absolutely! It is a healthy dish, but make sure it is not too spicy.

Drink recommendations
Free-range chicken soup pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or with refreshing lemonade, which will add a touch of freshness to your meal.

Personal story
When I was a child, every Sunday was a celebration dedicated to free-range chicken soup. My grandmother would put on her apron and start the cooking ritual, and the enticing aroma would gather us all around the table. This recipe is a perfect way to revive those dear memories and create new ones with loved ones.

I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy every spoonful! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 4 onions, 2 medium carrots, 1 bell pepper, celery, salt to taste, tomatoes, poultry meat, lovage, 1 liter of cabbage juice, 3.5 liters of water

 Tags:  chicken soup soups