Dumpling soup

Chicken dumpling soup is a classic, comforting dish, perfect for cool days and beyond. This simple recipe will bring a homemade taste, full of flavor and aromas, to your table. I will guide you through the steps to achieve a delicious soup with fluffy dumplings that will delight the whole family. The total preparation time is about 1 hour, and the recipe is intended for 4 servings.

Ingredients:
- 1/2 chicken (approximately 500-600g)
- 1 zucchini
- 1 onion
- 2-3 carrots
- 1 celery
- 2 parsnips
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 eggs
- 150g semolina
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
1. Start by washing the chicken well under cold running water. Place it in a large pot, add enough cold water to completely cover it. Season with salt and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer on low for about 30 minutes. This step will ensure tender and juicy meat that easily separates from the bone.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables. Peel the onion, carrots, celery, parsnips, and bell pepper. Cut them into large pieces. The zucchini can be added whole or cut in half, depending on your preference. Add the vegetables to the pot with the boiled chicken in the last 15 minutes of cooking, so that they retain their texture and flavor.

3. After the vegetables are cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, strain the soup to remove the large vegetables. You can keep the vegetables for later use if you wish.

4. When the chicken has cooled, debone it and cut the meat into suitable pieces. Put the meat back into the soup, adding the cooked vegetables.

5. Now, let's make the dumplings! In a large bowl, beat the two eggs with a little salt, then gradually add the semolina, stirring continuously. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to hydrate. The dumplings will be fluffier if you give the semolina time to absorb moisture.

6. Using a wet spoon, form the dumplings and carefully add them to the gently simmering soup. Make sure the soup is not boiling vigorously to avoid the dumplings breaking apart. Let them cook for 10-12 minutes until they become fluffy and easy to rise to the surface.

7. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chicken dumpling soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Practical tip: You can also add other vegetables such as potatoes or peas, depending on your preferences. Additionally, to give an even more intense flavor, you can add a few bay leaves or a sprig of thyme during cooking. This dumpling soup is perfect to be served alongside a slice of fresh bread, to enjoy every delicious drop.

Savor this chicken dumpling soup, a true comfort food that will bring warmth and joy to every bowl!