Chicken soup

Chicken soup – a classic, comforting recipe, full of flavors and tradition. This soup is not just a dish, but a culinary story that connects us to childhood memories, family meals, and warm moments spent with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a healthy meal, chicken soup will nurture you with every spoonful. Let's discover together how to prepare it!

Total preparation time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken (preferably free-range, for a more intense flavor)
- 2 large onions
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 sweet pepper
- 1 large potato (approximately 200 g)
- 1 bunch of lovage
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 0.7 liters of borscht (or more, to taste)
- 80 g of pasta (preferably thin noodles)
- 2 cubes of Delikat (or other seasoning, to taste)
- Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning and washing the chicken well. It is essential to remove any impurities to obtain a clear and delicious soup. Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for even and quicker cooking.

2. Boiling the meat: In a 5-liter pot, add the chicken pieces and fill with water, leaving enough room for the vegetables. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for about 3 hours. It is important to remove the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear broth.

3. Preparing the vegetables: During this time, wash and cut the vegetables:
- The bell pepper and sweet pepper are cut into thin strips.
- The potato is diced.
- The carrot is sliced into thin rounds.
- The greens (lovage and parsley) are finely chopped with a knife.

4. Adding the onions: After about 2 hours of boiling, add the whole onions (without skin) to the pot. When the onions start to soften, remove them from the pot, drain them, then add them together with the vegetables (except for the potatoes) to the soup.

5. Finalizing the soup: When the carrot is almost cooked, add the pepper, salt, Delikat cubes, potatoes, and pasta. Let the soup come to a boil, then pour in the borscht, adjusting the amount according to your taste. If necessary, add water to achieve the desired consistency.

6. Serving: The soup is ready when the potatoes are soft. Turn off the heat, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and cover the pot. Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Practical tips:
- Borscht: If you prefer a more sour soup, you can use more borscht. You can also add lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness.
- Meat: A free-range chicken will provide a richer flavor, but you can also use store-bought chicken. In this case, the cooking time will be reduced.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with vegetables like celery or zucchini, depending on the season and personal preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken provides quality protein, vegetables bring essential vitamins and minerals, and borscht contributes to healthy digestion. Additionally, this soup is low in calories, making it an ideal choice for a light meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace chicken with another type of meat? Yes, you can use turkey or chicken, but the cooking time will be reduced.
- How can I store the soup for the next day? The soup stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container.
- Can the soup be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the soup, but I recommend not adding the pasta before freezing, but rather preparing it separately when serving.

Delicious pairings:
Chicken soup is perfect alongside a slice of fresh bread or cheese pies. For an extra flavor boost, you can serve the soup with hot peppers, pickles, or a cabbage salad.

This chicken soup recipe is more than just a simple dish; it is a way to bring family together and enjoy the simple moments of life. Each bite will take you closer to beautiful memories, making every meal a special occasion. So, put on your apron and get ready to bring a bit of tradition to your plate!

 Ingredients: 1 country chicken 2 large onions 1 carrot 1 bell pepper 1 large potato (I used potatoes with a diameter of 2 cm) 1 bunch of lovage 1 bunch of parsley 0.7 liters of borscht 80 g of flour pasta 2 cubes of chicken broth pepper