Chicken noodle soup

Chicken noodle soup is one of those recipes that brings comfort and warmth to every home. It is a classic dish, woven into the culinary traditions of many cultures, often associated with moments of joy, but also with moments of indulgence when we feel under the weather or tired. This soup not only nourishes our body but also our soul, with its unmistakable aroma and comforting texture. Moreover, it is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for any occasion.

In this recipe, we will use a chicken weighing approximately 2 kg, and the preparation process will take a total of about 2 and a half hours, but don’t worry, most of the time is dedicated to boiling, so you can engage in other activities during this time. The soup is sufficient for 6-8 servings, making it ideal for enjoying with family or friends.

Ingredients

- 1 chicken (approximately 2 kg)
- 2-3 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- ½ kohlrabi
- ½ celery
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 g. black peppercorns
- 1 bunch of parsley and celery stems
- 1 chicken broth cube (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for serving
- Homemade or store-bought noodles

Preparation time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Boiling time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours (depending on the type of meat)
- Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Step by step to the perfect soup

Step 1: Preparing the chicken

Start by cleaning, washing, and cutting the chicken into quarters. It is important to use a young chicken for a more flavorful soup with tender meat, but an older chicken can add depth of flavor. Place the pieces of meat in a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add a teaspoon of salt.

Step 2: Removing the foam

Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to start boiling. When the water comes to a boil, foam will form on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove this foam - this will help the soup have a clear and clean appearance.

Step 3: Adding the vegetables

After about 30 minutes, when the chicken is half-cooked, add the cleaned and chopped vegetables. The carrots, parsley, kohlrabi, and celery will add sweetness and flavor to the soup. If desired, add a few peppercorns for a spicier taste.

Step 4: Flavoring the soup

Towards the end of the boiling, add the chicken broth cube, the bunch of greens, and the 3 peeled cloves of garlic. The latter will provide a special flavor. Let the soup boil for about 1 hour, or until the meat becomes tender. A young chicken will be cooked in about 1.5 hours, while an older chicken may take between 2 and 2.5 hours.

Step 5: Straining the soup

Once boiled, strain the soup to remove the pieces of meat and vegetables. If desired, keep the vegetables to use in other recipes, such as a beef salad or a side dish.

Step 6: Preparing the noodles

Boil the noodles separately in salted water, according to the instructions on the package. If using homemade noodles, make sure to boil them until they become tender but not overcooked, to maintain their texture.

Step 7: Serving

Serve the soup hot in bowls, adding the noodles and sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top. You can adjust the taste with salt and pepper, to your liking.

Tips and variations

- Additional vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, to enrich the flavors.
- Horseradish sauce: Grate a little fresh horseradish to add an interesting spice to the soup, which will give it a spicy note.
- Beef salad: Use the leftover meat and vegetables from the soup to prepare a delicious beef salad, perfect for a festive meal.
- Recommended drinks: Chicken soup pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a warm herbal tea.

Nutritional benefits

This soup is rich in nutrients, providing a good source of protein from the meat, vitamins from the vegetables, and essential minerals. It is also easy to digest, making it ideal during recovery periods or when you need an energy boost. A serving of chicken noodle soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of meat and vegetables used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken meat?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with chicken meat. The cooking process will be similar, but the boiling time will be shorter.

2. Is it possible to prepare the soup in advance?
Absolutely! The soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavor will become even more intense as the flavors meld.

3. How can I freeze the soup?
Let the soup cool completely, then pour it into airtight containers and freeze. Be sure to leave enough space for expansion.

4. How can I make the soup heartier?
Add noodles or rice to the soup to give it a richer texture and make it more filling.

In conclusion, chicken noodle soup is a classic recipe that never disappoints. It is simple, tasty, and full of nostalgia. Experiment with the ingredients and discover variations that delight your taste buds. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: a 2 kg chicken, 2-3 carrots, 1 parsley root, 1/2 kohlrabi, 1/2 celery, 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 g of peppercorns, 1 bunch of parsley and celery stalks, 1 Maggi chicken cube, salt, chopped parsley

 Tags:  appetizers soups soup hen vegetables soup meat soups noodles