Grandma's chicken soup

Grandma's chicken soup: a recipe that warms your soul

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 6

Who doesn’t remember the enticing aroma of chicken soup being prepared in grandma's kitchen? This soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is a tradition, a nostalgic ritual that reminds us of family moments. Made from a free-range chicken, fresh vegetables, and homemade noodles, this soup truly represents 'soup for the soul'.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 young chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 large onion
- 4 carrots
- 1 piece of celery (approximately 200 g)
- 1 parsley root (approximately 100 g)
- 2 potatoes
- Salt (to taste)
- 200 g homemade noodles (or store-bought if you are short on time)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Freshly ground pepper (optional)

Preparing the chicken soup:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken, removing any leftover feathers and washing it under cold running water. Cut the chicken into suitable pieces to ensure even cooking.

2. Boiling the meat: Place the chicken pieces in a large pot (about 4 liters) with cold water. Add salt to taste and bring the water to a boil. It is important to skim the soup, removing the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear liquid.

3. Adding the vegetables: When no more foam forms, add the whole onion (which will be removed later) and simmer on low heat without a lid to maintain the clarity of the soup. After about 30 minutes, add the carrots, celery, and parsley root cut into large pieces. After another 15 minutes, add the peeled and chopped potatoes.

4. Preparing the noodles: About 10 minutes before turning off the heat, add the homemade noodles to the soup. They will cook quickly and absorb the rich flavors of the soup. It is essential not to let them boil for too long to avoid becoming mushy.

5. Finishing the soup: Check the taste and adjust with salt if necessary. When all ingredients are cooked, add the finely chopped fresh parsley for an extra flavor boost.

Serving the chicken soup:
Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with freshly ground pepper and fresh parsley. A slice of crusty, steaming homemade bread will perfectly complement this comforting meal. A personal suggestion: you can add a tablespoon of hot sauce for a more intense flavor!

Useful tips:

- Choosing the chicken: Opt for a young, free-range chicken to achieve a soup full of flavors and taste. Country-raised chickens are usually tastier than store-bought ones.
- Fresh vegetables: Use seasonal, fresh vegetables for the best results. Sweet carrots and aromatic celery will make a difference!
- Skimming technique: Don’t forget to skim the soup! This step is essential for achieving a clear and appetizing liquid.
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables or spices, such as a bay leaf or a few peppercorns, to enrich the flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This chicken soup is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Poultry meat is an excellent source of protein, and vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals. Additionally, chicken soup is known for its beneficial effects in case of colds or digestive issues.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken meat instead of hen?
Yes, but the flavor will be different. Hen provides a deeper taste and richer consistency.

- Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add the fresh noodles only before serving to avoid them becoming mushy.

- How can I make noodles at home?
Mix 200 g of flour with 2 eggs and a pinch of salt, knead the dough well, and roll it out into thin sheets. Cut it into strips to form noodles.

This grandma's chicken soup is a simple recipe, but full of tradition and affection. Don’t hesitate to prepare it and share beautiful moments with your loved ones. It may become your soul recipe, just as it was for me!