Chicken soup with dumplings
Chicken soup with dumplings is a traditional recipe, loved by everyone, that brings a touch of warmth and comfort in every bowl. This soup is not just a dish, but a culinary magic that connects us to beautiful childhood memories, when grandma would seat us at the table with a steaming portion of this delicacy.
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 2 chicken thighs
- 1 chicken breast
- 2 carrots
- 2 onions
- 2 bell peppers
- 1 parsnip
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the dumplings:
- 8 tablespoons of semolina
- 2 eggs
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt
- 1 tablespoon of sparkling water
Ingredient details
Chicken is an excellent source of protein and is used in various dishes around the world. Chicken thighs add a rich and juicy flavor, while the chicken breast provides a finer texture. Carrots and parsnips bring sweetness and flavor, while the onion contributes to a rich base taste. The olive oil added to the dumplings makes them fluffier and helps achieve an optimal texture.
Preparing the soup
1. Wash and portion the chicken. Start by washing the chicken thighs and breast thoroughly. Cut the thighs in half for even cooking.
2. Boil the meat. Place the meat in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. When it starts boiling, discard the first water to remove impurities. This is a technique used to achieve a clearer soup.
3. Boil again. After discarding the first water, wash the meat and put it back in the pot with cold water. Add a little salt and let it boil over medium heat.
4. Skim the soup. During cooking, use a skimmer to remove the foam that forms on the surface. This step is essential to achieve a clear soup.
5. Prepare the vegetables. While the meat is boiling, peel and cut the vegetables. You can cut the onion into quarters, and the carrots, peppers, and parsnip into larger strips for easy removal after they have cooked.
6. Add the vegetables to the soup. After about 30 minutes of boiling, add the vegetables to the pot. Let them boil together with the meat for 20-30 minutes, until they become tender. If you feel there are too many vegetables, you can remove some of them.
Preparing the dumplings
1. Whip the egg whites. In a bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy.
2. Add the yolks. In another bowl, mix the yolks with the olive oil. Add them to the egg whites and mix gently.
3. Incorporate the semolina. Gradually add the semolina, stirring continuously, until you obtain a mixture that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Adjust the texture. Add a tablespoon of sparkling water to make the dumplings fluffier. Mix well.
Cooking the dumplings
1. Prepare the soup for the dumplings. Pour about 1/2 cup of cold water into the pot and reduce the heat to low.
2. Form the dumplings. Using a wet spoon, take small portions of dough and place them in the soup. The dumplings will swell and become fluffy.
3. Season. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, being careful to occasionally add cold water to maintain a constant temperature.
4. Finalizing. Once the dumplings are ready, remove the pot from the heat and cover it with a lid. Let them swell for a few minutes.
5. Serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the soup hot. This dish is perfect for a family meal or a comforting dinner.
Useful tips
- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to diversify the soup's flavor.
- Storage: The soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be frozen for later use.
- Serving suggestions: This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. Additionally, a glass of white wine or herbal tea can complement the meal perfectly.
Nutritional benefits
This chicken soup with dumplings is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, providing a balanced nutritional intake. The vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants, while the chicken brings a high protein content, essential for a healthy diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey can be a healthy and tasty alternative.
2. How can I make the dumplings fluffier?
Adding sparkling water is key; it will make them more airy.
3. Can I use whole grain semolina?
Whole grain semolina will provide a different texture, but it can be used successfully.
Chicken soup with dumplings is not only delicious, but it also brings the family together around the table, offering moments of joy and storytelling. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 2 chicken thighs, 1 chicken breast, 2 carrots, 2 onions, 2 bell peppers, 1 parsnip, fresh parsley, salt, pepper. For the dumplings: 8 tablespoons of semolina, 2 eggs, olive oil, salt, sparkling water.
