Chicken soup with vegetables
Chicken soup with vegetables is a classic dish, loved by everyone, that reminds us of family moments, stories shared around the table, and the warmth of home. This simple and delicious recipe not only nourishes our bodies but also our souls, providing comfort on chilly days or when we are under the weather. Let’s embark on our culinary journey into the world of chicken soup with vegetables!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken thighs (approximately 500g)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 large carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 piece of celery
- 1 parsley root
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon of dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100g noodles
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning the vegetables. Cut the onion in half, and chop the carrot, parsnip, celery, and parsley root into large pieces. Don’t worry about the appearance, as the vegetables will be removed from the soup later.
Step 2: Boiling the chicken
In a large pot, add the chicken thighs and cover them with cold water. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. As the water begins to boil, foam will appear on the surface – this is normal. Use a skimmer to remove the foam. This will help achieve a clear and delicious soup.
Step 3: Adding the vegetables
After the meat has boiled for about 20 minutes, add the cleaned and whole vegetables to the pot. They will add a delicious flavor to the soup and contribute to creating a rich broth. Continue to simmer on low heat, covering the pot with a lid.
Step 4: Straining the soup
When the meat is well-cooked (about 40 minutes later), remove the thighs from the pot and let them cool slightly. Also, remove the vegetables and discard them, except for the onion. Strain the soup through a fine sieve to remove any impurities and obtain a clear liquid.
Step 5: Making the vegetable puree
Put the vegetables (without the onion) in a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth puree. This puree will enrich the soup, giving it a creamy texture and intense flavor.
Step 6: Finishing the soup
Put the strained soup back on the heat, and if it is too concentrated, add a little warm water. When the soup starts to boil again, add the vegetable puree and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the noodles, dried parsley, and dried dill. Boil everything together for 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked.
Step 7: Serving
Before turning off the heat, add the finely chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness. The soup is served hot, ideal for a family meal or a comforting lunch. You can add some toasted bread croutons or a squeeze of lemon for an even more interesting flavor.
Chef's tip:
For a personal touch, you can add spices like turmeric or grated ginger, which will give the soup an exotic aroma and provide additional health benefits. Also, replacing the noodles with rice or quinoa can make the soup more nutritious and cater to different dietary preferences.
Nutritional benefits:
This chicken soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken provides essential proteins, while the vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent choice for a healthy diet, having a moderate calorie content, making it perfect for a light meal.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast is a leaner alternative, but it will require a shorter cooking time. Make sure it doesn’t dry out!
2. How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add chili peppers or cayenne pepper, depending on your preferences, to add a bit of heat.
3. What other vegetables can I add?
Carrots, peas, or zucchini are excellent choices. You can experiment to find the perfect combination for you!
4. Can the soup be frozen?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add the noodles before freezing, as they may become soggy.
Possible variations:
If you want to explore new flavors, you can transform this classic soup into an Asian-inspired dish by adding soy sauce, fresh ginger, and rice noodles. These changes will not only diversify the recipe but also bring an explosion of new flavors.
Chicken soup with vegetables is undoubtedly a dish that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Make sure to prepare it with love and care, and the result will surely please everyone. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: chicken (I used 3 large upper thighs) 2 onions 1 carrot 1 parsnip 1 piece of celery 1 root of parsley fresh parsley dried Kotanyi parsley dried Kotanyi dill dried Kotanyi salt and pepper noodles
