Chicken soup

Chicken soup is one of those traditional recipes that delights us not only with its comforting taste but also with the stories it brings along. It is a dish that reminds us of moments spent with loved ones, the joy of cooking together, and the warmth of home. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when we need a boost of energy and comfort.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 1 chicken (without breast, with thighs and wings)
- 3 carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 piece of celery
- 2 parsley roots
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- salt (to taste)
- 5-6 peppercorns
- 1 chicken-flavored bouillon cube (optional)
- 3 liters of water

Preparing the chicken soup:

1. Cleaning and washing the chicken: Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken. It is essential to remove all impurities and remaining feathers. After cleaning, rinse the chicken under cold running water and let it soak in cold water for 15-20 minutes.

2. Boiling the meat: In a large pot, add 3 liters of cold water. Then, add the pieces of chicken. At this point, it is important to use cold water, as this will help extract the flavors from the meat during boiling. Place the pot on low heat and let it reach the boiling point. Once the water starts to boil, skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a spoon. This step is crucial for obtaining a clear and delicious soup.

3. Adding spices: After letting the soup boil for about an hour, add the peppercorns and salt to taste. These ingredients will add a deep flavor to your soup.

4. Adding vegetables: At this point, clean and chop the vegetables: carrots, onion, celery, and parsley. Add them to the pot, along with the bouillon cube (if using). These vegetables not only enhance the flavor of the soup but also bring a vibrant color.

5. Finishing the cooking: Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 15-20 minutes. Check the vegetables and ensure they are cooked but not too soft. Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool slightly.

6. Straining the soup: Use a sieve to strain the soup, removing all pieces of meat and vegetables. At this point, you can debone the meat and cut it into small pieces.

7. Adding final ingredients: Return the strained soup to the pot, add the sliced carrots, the deboned meat, and, if desired, you can add noodles or semolina dumplings. If you choose to use noodles, make sure they are cooked according to the package instructions before adding them to the soup.

8. Serving: Before serving the soup, add the chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness. This step enriches the soup's aroma and adds a pop of color.

Serving suggestions:

This chicken soup is delicious served warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. You can easily add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Additionally, a fresh green salad would perfectly complement the meal.

Semolina dumpling variant:

If you want a heartier version of this soup, you can opt for semolina dumplings. Mix 100g of semolina with 2 eggs and a pinch of salt. Form the dumplings and add them to the soup in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can use chicken or turkey instead of hen. The taste will be slightly different, but just as delicious.

2. How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for future use, but it is recommended to consume it within a month.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of chicken soup? This soup is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals due to the meat and vegetables. It is also easy to digest, making it ideal for days when you feel under the weather.

Tips for a perfect result:

- Use cold water to start boiling. This helps extract the flavors from the meat.
- Do not skip the step of removing the foam. This will make the soup clear and visually appealing.
- Try to use fresh vegetables to achieve a soup with vibrant flavor.

A well-prepared chicken soup is not just a meal, but an experience that brings comfort and joy. Remember to enjoy every step of the preparation and savor your creation with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: a chicken without breast, thighs, and wings, 3 carrots, 1 onion, a piece of celery, 2 parsley roots, parsley leaves, salt, peppercorns, a cube of chicken-flavored vegetable stock, 3 liters of water