Country-style chicken soup
Country Chicken Soup - A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavor
Country chicken soup is a dish that takes us back to the bountiful meals of childhood, to the rich aroma of fresh ingredients, and to the warmth of home. This recipe will not only delight you with its taste but also offer you an authentic culinary experience. Let's discover together how to prepare a delicious country chicken soup, step by step.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 500 g back, wings, and neck of country chicken (about 1 whole chicken)
- 1 large onion
- 3 carrots
- 2 parsley roots
- 2 peppers (red or green, according to preference)
- 200 ml tomato puree
- 1 bunch of celery leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 handfuls of homemade noodles (or store-bought noodles)
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
1. Preparing the meat: Start by cleaning the chicken meat. Wash the pieces well under a stream of cold water, removing any feathers or remnants. It is essential to use country chicken meat as it has a more intense flavor and better texture.
2. Boiling the meat: Place the meat in a large pot and fill it with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Skim the soup periodically, meaning remove the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear broth.
3. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, clean and finely chop the onion, carrots, parsley, and peppers. These vegetables will add extra flavor and color to your soup. If you prefer, you can grate the carrots for a finer texture.
4. Adding the vegetables: After the meat has boiled for a while, add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Let them simmer with the meat for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is nearly cooked.
5. Seasoning the soup: After the meat has boiled for half an hour, add the tomato puree, thyme, and celery leaves. These ingredients will intensify the flavors of the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Adding the noodles: After adding the puree, it’s time to add the noodles. Let them cook for another 5-10 minutes until the noodles are done, but don’t leave them too long to avoid them becoming mushy.
7. Finalizing the soup: Finally, add the finely chopped lovage and parsley. These aromatic herbs will give you a fresh note and a perfect taste.
8. Serving: Once you finish cooking, turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it with sour cream and chili pepper for an extra flavor boost. A slice of fresh homemade bread will perfectly complement the meal.
Practical tips:
- If you don’t have homemade noodles, you can use store-bought noodles, but make sure they are of high quality.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant. Add them during boiling to allow their flavors to develop.
- Country chicken soup is delicious the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld.
Nutritional information:
A serving of country chicken soup (approximately 250 ml) contains about 250 kcal, being rich in protein due to the chicken. Additionally, the vegetables provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for the whole family.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it before cooking.
- How can I make the soup more tangy? You can add lemon juice or vinegar to taste at the end.
- Can the soup be frozen? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add the noodles before freezing, as they may become mushy.
Personal story: This country chicken soup reminds me of the days spent in the countryside, where my grandmother lovingly prepared it using only fresh ingredients from the garden. Its aroma fills my soul with nostalgia and love, and each sip reminds me of the warmth of home and the bountiful family meals.
Serving suggestions: You can pair this soup with a dry white wine or with an herbal tea. Additionally, a summer salad with tomatoes and cucumbers would perfectly complement the meal.
Possible variations:
- You can replace the chicken with turkey meat to experiment with a different taste.
- Add a diced potato to thicken the soup and give it a more consistent texture.
Country chicken soup is more than just a simple culinary dish; it is a true tradition that brings family and friends together. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just for an ordinary evening, this recipe will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: back, wings, country-style chicken neck 1 onion 3 carrots 2 parsley roots 2 peppers 200 ml broth celery leaves lovage 2 handfuls of homemade noodles parsley salt, pepper
