Chicken soup with letters or noodles

Chicken soup with letters or noodles - a comforting delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes Number of servings: 4-6

Chicken soup with letters or noodles is a classic dish that brings comfort and nostalgia in every spoonful. It's the kind of soup that hugs you, reminding you of chilly days and moments spent with loved ones. This simple yet flavorful recipe will guide you step by step to achieve a delicious, nutrient-rich, and flavorful soup.

A little story about soup

Chicken soup is a traditional dish known worldwide, with deep roots in culinary culture. It is said that chicken soup has healing properties, often recommended to soothe colds and improve well-being. Besides its nutritional benefits, chicken soup brings the family together at the table, symbolizing warmth and care.

Necessary ingredients

- 1 chicken (approximately 3.3 lbs, whole or cut)
- 3 large carrots
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 large onion
- 1 small celery (or parsnip root)
- 1-2 garlic cloves (optional)
- 100 g noodles (or a packet of instant soup with letters)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 stock cube (optional)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken under cold running water. If you have a whole chicken, I recommend cutting it into pieces for even cooking. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the chicken into pieces.

2. Boiling the chicken: In a large pot, add about 2 liters of water and put it on medium heat. When the water starts to boil, add the cut chicken and a tablespoon of salt. This step will help extract the flavors from the meat and provide a tasty base for the soup.

3. Removing the foam: After a few minutes of boiling, foam will start to form on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove it, ensuring that your soup will remain clear and tasty.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel the vegetables. Cut the carrots and celery into large pieces or julienne, depending on your preference. The onion and garlic can be left whole to add flavor, while the potatoes can be added whole or diced, based on your preference.

5. Adding the vegetables: After about 30 minutes of boiling the chicken, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Season with pepper and the stock cube (if using) to enhance the flavors. Let everything simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken and vegetables are tender.

6. The noodles: When the chicken and vegetables are almost done, add the noodles to the soup. If you are using instant soup noodles, they will be ready in a few minutes, so watch the cooking time indicated on the package. Let the soup boil for a few minutes until the noodles are cooked, then add the chopped parsley.

7. Finalizing the soup: Once all the ingredients are cooked, turn off the heat. You can serve the chicken whole or cut, alongside the soup, or you can remove it and use it as a main course.

Practical tips

- Choosing the chicken: If you want a richer-tasting soup, opt for a free-range chicken, which has more tender and flavorful meat.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with various vegetables, such as peas or zucchini, to add more color and nutrients.
- Variations: If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a hot pepper or spices like paprika. You can also replace the noodles with dumplings for a different and delicious result.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken soup is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The chicken provides essential amino acids, while the vegetables contribute fiber and antioxidants, positively impacting immune system health. This soup is perfect for cold periods but also for a comforting meal any day.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before adding it to the pot.
- What can I do with leftover chicken? The leftover chicken can be used for sandwiches, salads, or other delicious dishes.
- How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze portions to enjoy later.

Serving suggestions

Serve the soup hot, with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of cayenne pepper can add an interesting and fresh flavor.

Enjoy every spoonful of this chicken soup with letters or noodles and let its comforting flavors carry you away! This simple recipe will make you come back for more, bringing a touch of warmth to every meal. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken, 3 carrots, 3 potatoes, 1 onion, (celery, parsnip, parsley) 1-2 cloves of garlic (optional), noodles (I added a packet of instant soup with letters), salt, pepper, 1 cube of concentrate (optional), parsley.