Peasant Chicken Soup

Peasant Chicken Soup: A Comfort in Every Spoonful

Peasant chicken soup is a traditional dish that evokes memories of Sunday meals when the whole family gathered around the table to enjoy a steaming bowl of goodness. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, offering a perfect combination of proteins, vitamins, and fibers. Preparing chicken soup is not just a culinary activity but also a way to create pleasant memories with loved ones. Let’s explore this tasty recipe together, which promises to be a favorite for everyone!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Essential ingredients:
- 500 g chicken meat for soup (preferably with bones for a fuller taste)
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 small celery (or ½ large celery)
- 1 onion
- 1 parsnip (optional, but adds a sweet and deep flavor)
- 1 cup of rice (preferably long-grain)
- 1 handful of green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 liter of borscht (or more, depending on preferences)
- Salt and pepper to taste (or Delikat, according to preferences)
- A handful of fresh chopped parsley
- A handful of fresh chopped lovage (optional, for a more complex flavor profile)

Step by step: how to prepare peasant chicken soup

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken meat well under cold running water. Then, place it in a large pot with cold water over low heat. This will allow the flavors to develop gradually.

2. Boiling the meat: Once the water starts to boil, let the meat boil for 15 minutes. This will bring all the impurities to the surface. Remove the foam that forms with a skimmer.

3. Adding the vegetables: Peel and finely chop the carrot, celery, onion, and parsnip. When the meat is almost cooked, add the chopped vegetables and the rinsed rice. Let everything boil together for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables and rice are cooked.

4. The borscht and tomato paste: Bringing the soup to life is done with the help of borscht. Before adding it, bring it to a boil in a separate pot. Once it has boiled, add it to the pot with the soup, along with the tomato paste. These ingredients will give the soup a pleasant acidity and a vibrant color.

5. Seasoning: Adjust the taste of the soup with salt, pepper, or Delikat, according to preferences. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

6. Finishing: Before turning off the heat, add the chopped greens (parsley and lovage). These will add freshness and an inviting aroma.

7. Serving: Peasant chicken soup is served hot, with red onion or hot peppers on the side for those who enjoy a bit of spice. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Practical tips:
- Use chicken with bones to achieve a richer-tasting soup. The bones release collagen during boiling, adding a velvety texture.
- You can vary the vegetables according to the season. For example, add zucchini or potatoes for a richer consistency.
- If you prefer a more sour soup, add more borscht. You can even try using lemon juice or vinegar to give it a different note.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Peasant chicken soup is an excellent nutritional choice. A serving (approximately 250 ml) contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of meat and vegetables used. It is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the vegetables provide a significant supply of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the rice adds complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, but the soup will have a less intense flavor. Bone-in meat is preferred for flavor.
- What if I don’t have borscht? You can replace borscht with lemon juice or vinegar to add acidity.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add chopped hot peppers or chili flakes during cooking.

Recipes or drinks that pair well:
For a complete meal, serve the soup alongside warm polenta or homemade bread. A summer salad with tomatoes and cucumbers could also be a perfect accompaniment. For a drink, fresh lemonade or herbal tea are ideal options to balance the flavors of the soup.

Peasant chicken soup is more than just a simple dish; it’s a soulful recipe that connects us to traditions and brings us together. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the aromas of this delicious soup carry you away!

 Ingredients: 500 g chicken for soup, 1 carrot, 1 small celery, 1 onion, 1 parsnip, 1 cup of rice, 1 handful of green beans, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, seasoning, 1 l borscht, parsley, lovage

 Tags:  chicken meat green beans carrot