Tomato soup

Tomato soup with chicken breast and rice

Tomato soup is a classic dish, appreciated in many cultures for its rich and comforting flavor. It is an excellent choice for cool days, but also a light and healthy option for any meal. This recipe combines the delicate flavors of vegetables with the juicy texture of chicken breast, offering a perfect meal for the whole family. Whether you prepare it for lunch or dinner, this soup will surely delight you!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 liter of tomato juice (ideally homemade for an intense flavor)
- 2 liters of meat broth (boiled from a chicken breast)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 glass of water (approximately 200g) with rice
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt, to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by peeling the onions, carrots, and parsley root. Cut the onions into small cubes, and the carrots and parsley root into rounds or cubes, according to your preference. Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand to work efficiently.

Step 2: Boil the chicken breast and vegetables
In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and the chicken breast, then add the chopped onion, carrots, and parsley. Cover the pot with a lid and put it on low heat. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken breast is cooked and the vegetables become soft. It is important not to increase the temperature, as slow boiling will help extract flavors from the ingredients.

Step 3: Puree the vegetables
Once the chicken breast and vegetables are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the ingredients from the pot. Place them in a blender and puree until you get a smooth paste. This step is crucial for giving the soup a creamy texture and intense flavor. If you don’t have a blender, you can use a potato masher or a whisk.

Step 4: Combine the ingredients
Back in the pot, add the vegetable paste, tomato juice, and the cooked chicken breast, cut into thin strips. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. Add sugar and salt to taste. The sugar will help balance the acidity of the tomato juice, giving it a more pleasant taste. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Cook the rice
In another pot, cook the rice in salted water according to the instructions on the package. Usually, for white rice, the cooking time is about 15 minutes. Make sure the rice is cooked but not overcooked, so it remains slightly firm.

Step 6: Finish the soup
Once the soup has boiled and the rice is ready, add the cooked rice to the soup, mixing well. Turn off the heat and add the chopped fresh parsley for a fresh aroma and pleasant appearance. You can adjust the salt if necessary.

Step 7: Serve
Serve the tomato soup with chicken breast and rice hot, in deep bowls. You can add a slice of toasted bread on top for extra texture, or sprinkle a little freshly ground pepper for a more intense flavor. This soup pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or a vegetable salad.

Practical tips:
- If you want an even richer soup, you can add a diced potato along with the other vegetables.
- Substitute the chicken breast with turkey meat or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- You can experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice or basmati rice, to add a unique touch.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought tomato juice?
Of course! Although homemade tomato juice offers a better taste, store-bought is a convenient option. Just make sure to choose a juice without artificial additives.

2. How can I store the soup for several days?
The soup can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. For longer storage, I recommend freezing it.

3. What can I do with leftover soup?
If you have leftover soup, you can turn it into a base for sauces or other soups. It can also be used to cook pasta or risotto.

This tomato soup with chicken breast and rice is more than just a simple meal; it is a warm hug in a bowl. Every spoonful will warm your heart, and the flavors will remind you of cherished moments spent around the table. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: - 1 l tomato juice (preferably homemade) - 2 l meat broth (I boil a chicken breast) - 2 onions - 2 carrots - 1 parsley root - 1 bunch of parsley - 1 glass of water with rice - 1 teaspoon sugar - salt.