Homemade chicken soup with semolina dumplings

Homemade Chicken Soup with Semolina Dumplings – A Comforting Recipe Full of Memories

Homemade chicken soup with semolina dumplings is a dish that brings warmth and comfort on cooler days or in moments when we need a culinary hug. This recipe has deep roots in culinary tradition, often associated with family meals and joyful moments spent with loved ones. I had the opportunity to prepare this wonderful soup using a free-range chicken, which gives it an authentic and rich flavor. Let’s discover together the necessary steps to make a perfect chicken soup with semolina dumplings that will delight both family and friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

- 1 free-range chicken (bone-in pieces)
- 5 fresh carrots, peeled
- 2 fresh parsley roots, peeled
- 1 slice of kohlrabi
- 1 slice of celery
- 1 green onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon of peppercorns
- 2 eggs
- 200 g semolina
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly chopped parsley leaves for serving

Step by step

1. Preparing the meat
Start by placing the chicken pieces in a large pot. Add cold water and a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface with a ladle. This step is essential for achieving a clear and clean soup.

2. Adding the vegetables
Once the meat is nearly cooked, add the peeled and chopped vegetables, including carrots, parsley roots, kohlrabi, and celery. You can leave the onion whole for easier removal later. These vegetables will add a delicious flavor to the soup. Also, add the peppercorns and whole garlic cloves. Let it simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until all the vegetables and meat are cooked.

3. Preparing the dumplings
In a bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Then add the yolks, olive oil, and mix well. Gradually incorporate the semolina, stirring continuously, to achieve a dense but not too stiff mixture. Here, the secret is to adjust the amount of semolina based on the size of the eggs used—the mixture should be easy to break with a spoon but not too liquid.

4. Boiling the dumplings
When the soup is boiling, add a few ladles of it to a separate pot. Using a spoon, break off pieces of the dumpling mixture and let them drop into the boiling soup. Ensure the soup is boiling well before adding the dumplings; otherwise, they will become tough. Let the dumplings cook for 8-10 minutes, then turn them for even cooking.

5. Finalizing the soup
Once the dumplings are cooked, you can leave them in the soup for a while to absorb the flavors. When serving, place two dumplings in a bowl, add the vegetables, and pour the clear soup over them. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Tips and tricks

- Soup consistency: The longer the soup simmers on low heat, the clearer it will be. So, don’t rush this step!
- Free-range chicken vs. farm chicken: Free-range chicken has a more intense flavor, but you can also use farm chicken if it’s more accessible.
- Vegetable variations: You can experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or green beans to add variety to the soup.
- Serving: This soup pairs excellently with a slice of fresh bread, a squeeze of lemon, and a glass of dry white wine.

Nutritional benefits

This homemade chicken soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and the vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals contribute to a healthy immune system. Semolina provides healthy carbohydrates, offering the energy needed for an active day.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use chicken broth instead of fresh chicken?: While broth can be a quick alternative, the authentic taste of homemade soup is best achieved with fresh meat.
- What should I do with leftover soup?: The soup can be refrigerated for 2-3 days or frozen for later consumption.
- Can I make dumplings without eggs?: Yes, you can use a combination of sparkling water and flour to achieve a vegan version.

Homemade chicken soup with semolina dumplings is more than just a simple dish; it’s a story, a tradition, a warm hug. I invite you to try it and reminisce about the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: pieces with bone from a chicken, 5 new carrots, 2 new parsley roots, a slice of kohlrabi, a slice of celery, a green onion, 4 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of peppercorns, 2 eggs, 200 g of semolina, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, green parsley leaves

 Tags:  soup chicken meat dumplings