Chicken soup with semolina dumplings
Chicken soup with semolina dumplings – a warm recipe full of nostalgia and comfort
When it comes to soups, few can equal the flavor and comfort offered by chicken soup with semolina dumplings. It is a dish that reminds us of family moments, warm meals, and culinary traditions that connect us. Even if you don't have a free-range chicken at hand, don't worry! This recipe is versatile and can be adapted with easily available ingredients. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare a generous portion of chicken soup with semolina dumplings that will bring warmth to the hearts of your loved ones.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Your ingredients for the delicious soup:
- 1 chicken (preferably free-range for a more intense flavor, but you can also use store-bought chicken)
- 2 carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 2 onions
- ½ celery
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, for serving
For the semolina dumplings:
- 2 eggs
- 7-8 tablespoons of semolina (the amount may vary depending on the size of the eggs)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Mineral water, as needed
- Salt, to taste
Preparing the soup:
1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning the chicken, washing it well, and deboning it. Choose to keep the thighs, and use the rest of the meat for the soup. Place the meat in a large pot and add enough water to cover the chicken well. Sprinkle a teaspoon of salt.
2. Boiling the meat: Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to reach the boiling point. When the water starts to boil, don’t forget to skim the soup to remove impurities. Let the chicken boil for 10-15 minutes.
3. Adding the vegetables: After the chicken has boiled a bit, add the cleaned and roughly chopped vegetables. I prefer to leave the onion whole to preserve its aroma, and I cut the celery into large pieces, which I will later remove from the soup. If necessary, top up with cold water.
4. Preparing the semolina dumplings: In a bowl, beat the eggs together with a pinch of salt using a fork. Gradually add the semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add a few drops of mineral water and, finally, the olive oil. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.
5. Forming the dumplings: When the vegetables are half-cooked, take a spoon (preferably a large one) of the dumpling mixture, wetting the spoon with water each time to facilitate the formation of the dumplings. Carefully lower them into the soup. Continue this process until you finish the dumpling dough.
6. Final boiling: Add a cup of cold water to the soup, season with salt to taste, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Finishing the soup: Turn off the heat and remove the onion and celery pieces from the soup (if you wish, you can leave the rest of the vegetables). Let the pot sit covered for 10 minutes so the flavors can blend perfectly.
8. Serving: Finally, serve the chicken soup with semolina dumplings sprinkled with freshly ground pepper and finely chopped fresh parsley. You can also add lemon slices for an extra touch of freshness.
Useful tips:
- If you want a richer soup, you can add other vegetables like zucchini or potatoes.
- Replace chicken with turkey for a lighter option.
- If you want to improve the texture of the dumplings, you can add a tablespoon of cottage cheese to the mixture.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken soup is known for its nutritional properties, being rich in proteins, vitamins (especially from vegetables), and minerals. It is an excellent dish for the immune system and can have beneficial effects in recovering from colds or flu.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to completely thaw it before cooking.
2. How can I keep the soup longer?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 3-4 days or you can freeze it for later use.
3. What other toppings can I add?
For an extra flavor boost, you can add toasted bread croutons or grated cheese when serving.
Delicious combinations:
This soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a crusty homemade bread. Also, a glass of dry white wine would perfectly complete the meal, adding a touch of elegance.
Chicken soup with semolina dumplings is more than just a recipe; it is a journey into memories and traditions, a dish that brings the family together around the table. I hope you enjoy every spoonful and share this delicacy with your loved ones! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: a chicken (I had a free-range one and it made a delicious yellow soup) 2 carrots 1 red bell pepper 1 yellow bell pepper 2 onions 1/2 celery parsley salt For dumplings 2 eggs 7-8 tablespoons of semolina (depending on the size of the eggs) 1 tablespoon of olive oil sparkling water salt, pepper
