Chicken soup with fluffy dumplings
Chicken Soup with Fluffy Dumplings: A Recipe Full of Love
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8
Introduction
Who doesn’t remember the enticing aroma of slowly boiled chicken soup wafting through the house, evoking family memories and moments of warmth? Chicken soup with fluffy dumplings is a classic dish passed down through generations, each cook having their own version. This wonderful recipe, inspired by my beloved mother, is not just a comforting dish but also a true celebration of flavors. With a little patience and love, you will create a savory soup with velvety dumplings, perfect for chilly days or any special occasion.
Ingredients needed
For the soup:
- 1.5 kg chicken (about half of a large 3 kg chicken)
- 4-5 large carrots
- 2 large onions
- 1 large bell pepper
- 2 parsnips
- 4-5 celery leaves
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the dumplings:
- 2 eggs
- 1.5 cups semolina
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Ingredient tips
- Choose a quality chicken, preferably from a store or a local farm; free-range chicken has a richer flavor and better texture.
- The carrots should be fresh, with a vibrant color, to add not only taste but also a beautiful hue to the soup.
- If you want to add an extra note of flavor, you can include a few sprigs of parsley or dill during cooking.
Step by step for a perfect soup
1. Preparing the chicken: Start by preparing the chicken. Quickly rinse it to remove impurities. Then, place it in a large pot of about 4 liters with cold water. This will help extract the flavors and give the soup a rich taste.
2. Adding the vegetables: Cut the onion in half, and chop the carrots, parsnips, and bell pepper into large pieces. Add the vegetables to the pot along with the chicken. The halved onion will add a subtle flavor to the soup, while the other vegetables will contribute to its savoriness.
3. Boiling and skimming: Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil. It is essential to skim the soup well at the beginning to eliminate impurities and achieve a clear liquid. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer slowly.
4. Seasoning: Once the soup starts boiling, add the celery leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. It’s important to season gradually, as we can adjust the flavor later.
5. Checking the meat: After about 40-50 minutes, check if the meat is cooked. It should be tender and easily pull away from the bone. When ready, remove the vegetables from the soup. You can leave the carrots to add to the bowls later if you enjoy eating them.
Preparing the fluffy dumplings
1. Beating the eggs: In a bowl, beat the two eggs well. It’s important to mix them thoroughly so they become frothy, which will help achieve airy dumplings.
2. Adding the semolina: Gradually add the semolina to the egg mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Finally, add the baking powder, which will help make the dumplings even fluffier.
3. Preparing the dumplings: Before adding the dumplings to the soup, pour a glass of cold water into the pot. This trick will interrupt the boiling and prevent the dumplings from falling apart. Use a spoon to scoop the dumpling mixture and let them drop into the soup. Boil for 10-15 minutes.
4. Checking the dumplings: The dumplings are ready when they double in size and are fluffy. If you want, you can add a splash of cold water to the soup to keep them tender.
Serving the soup
Chicken soup with fluffy dumplings is served hot, either plain or with a few carrots added to the bowl. It’s a perfect dish for lunch or dinner, but can also be enjoyed at a festive meal. Enhance its flavor with toasted bread croutons or a spoonful of sour cream.
Pairing suggestions
This soup pairs perfectly with a simple cabbage salad or mashed potatoes. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a glass of mineral water with lemon will complement the meal excellently.
Nutritional benefits
Chicken soup contains quality protein, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables, making it a healthy and nourishing choice. The semolina dumplings add carbohydrates, providing energy to the body. It’s an ideal dish for recovery after a cold or a long day.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use chicken instead of hen? Yes, you can use chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter.
- How can I make the dumplings more flavorful? You can add some chopped herbs, like parsley, to the dumpling mixture.
- What should I do if the dumplings fall apart? Add a bit of cold water to the soup and reduce the heat. The dumplings will firm up and become fluffy.
Conclusion
Chicken soup with fluffy dumplings is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience full of tradition and love. Every bite will remind you of the moments spent with loved ones. So, put on your chef's attire and let’s transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: I had a large chicken weighing about 3 kilograms, so I used only half of it... that is, 1.5 kilograms of chicken, 4-5 large carrots, 2 large onions, 1 large bell pepper, 2 parsnips, 4-5 celery leaves, salt, pepper. For the dumplings: 2 eggs, 1 and a half cups of semolina, 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
