Country chicken broth

Country Chicken Soup – a traditional recipe full of flavor and memory

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

Country chicken soup is a recipe that reminds us of warm and comforting meals from childhood, where every bite filled us with joy and warmth. This aromatic soup, full of fresh vegetables and authentic flavors, is perfect for bringing a touch of nostalgia on colder days or for celebrating special moments with loved ones. Let’s get to work and prepare this delicious chicken soup!

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 country chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 large carrot
- 1 medium onion
- ½ yellow bell pepper
- ½ sweet pepper
- 1 parsnip
- 3-4 tablespoons of tomato juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- A handful of noodles (homemade, if possible)
- Sour borscht (to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A bunch of fresh parsley

Step by step: Preparing the country chicken soup

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken of any feathers. This is an essential step, as a country chicken has thicker skin and may have more feathers. Once cleaned, you can singe it slightly over the gas flame. This step adds a special flavor and a slightly smoky aroma to the soup.

2. Cutting and washing the chicken: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces (legs, breast, wings), then wash each piece under cold running water. This will help remove any impurities and the taste of raw meat.

3. Boiling the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large pot, cover them with water (about 2 liters), and bring to a boil. As the water begins to boil, you will notice foam forming on the surface of the broth. Use a spoon to remove this foam; this step will help achieve a clear soup.

4. Preparing the vegetables: While the chicken is boiling, prepare the vegetables. Peel and finely chop the onion. After washing, grate the carrot on a large grater. Wash the bell pepper and sweet pepper well and cut them into small cubes. Peel, wash, and cut the parsnip into pieces.

5. Adding the vegetables: Once the foam has been removed and the broth has started to boil, add the chopped vegetables (onion, carrot, bell pepper, sweet pepper, and parsnip) to the pot, one by one. Cover the pot with a lid and let it boil over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes.

6. Adding the tomato juice: After the chicken and vegetables have boiled, add the tomato juice to the soup. This will give a sweet and sour taste and a pleasant color to the dish.

7. Noodles and borscht: About 10-15 minutes before you consider the soup ready, add the noodles, which you can break lightly in your hands to make them smaller. Complete with borscht, adjusting the amount according to how sour you want the soup to be. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Finalizing the dish: When the noodles are ready (usually after 5-7 minutes of boiling), turn off the heat. Add finely chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

9. Serving: Serve the soup hot in a bowl, garnished with fresh parsley. You can accompany it with a slice of crunchy homemade bread or with hot peppers for those who love a bit of spice.

Useful tips:
- If you like your soup a bit more sour, you can add more borscht or even lemon juice, depending on your preferences.
- Homemade noodles are ideal for this soup, but you can also use store-bought noodles. If you decide to make them at home, make sure to let them dry a bit before adding them to the broth.
- Fresh parsley added at the end will bring a vibrant aroma and make the soup more appealing.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 300 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g

This soup is not only tasty but also full of nutrients, based on lean chicken meat and fresh vegetables, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Of course! This recipe can also be adapted with turkey or even beef, but the cooking time will change.
- How can I make the soup spicier? By adding hot peppers or even a pinch of hot paprika during cooking, you will get a soup with a special kick.
- What else can I add to the soup? You can experiment with various vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, to vary the taste and texture.

Country chicken soup is more than just a simple meal; it is an emotion, a story, a true culinary ritual. So, don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 country chicken, 1 carrot, 1 onion, half a yellow bell pepper, half a sweet pepper, green parsley, 1 parsnip, 3-4 tablespoons of tomato juice, sour borscht, 1 handful of noodles (if you can make them homemade, that's perfect; mine were store-bought), salt, pepper

 Tags:  chicken meat soup vegetables