Chicken soup with dumplings

Chicken soup with dumplings is a classic dish, full of flavor and warmth, that brings to mind home-cooked meals and moments spent with loved ones. This recipe is a perfect combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients that transform into a comforting delicacy, ideal for chilly days or when we crave a touch of nostalgia.

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

Ingredients:

*For the soup:*

- 500 g chicken (thighs, wings, and back)
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 large onion
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1/2 celery
- 1 red bell pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water (approximately 2 liters)

*For the dumplings:*

- 2 eggs
- 7 tablespoons semolina
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt, to taste

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities. Place the chicken in a large pot, add cold water and a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil. It is important to skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle, so you will get a clear and tasty broth.

2. Adding the vegetables: Once you have removed the foam, add one carrot cut into large pieces, the whole onion (you can peel it, but leaving it whole will give a subtle flavor that you will remove at the end), celery, red bell pepper, and peeled potatoes. Let everything simmer over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is well cooked.

3. Preparing the boiled vegetables: After the chicken and vegetables are cooked, remove them from the broth. You can use the chicken to prepare a delicious salad or simply serve it with a side dish. The onion, however, can be discarded as it has given its flavor to the soup.

4. Enriching the soup: If you notice that the soup has reduced too much, add cold water to replenish it. In a pan, heat a little oil and add the grated carrot. Sauté for a few minutes until it becomes slightly soft and fragrant. Add it back to the pot to enhance the flavor of the soup.

5. Preparing the dumplings: In a bowl, beat the two eggs with a fork. Add the semolina, oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix the composition well until it becomes homogeneous. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes so that the semolina absorbs the liquid and thickens slightly.

6. Boiling the dumplings: Using a spoon, take some of the dumpling mixture and carefully add them to the boiling soup. Make sure the heat is low so that the dumplings have time to puff up and cook evenly. Let them boil for 5-7 minutes until they become fluffy and cooked.

7. Finalizing the soup: Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper according to your preferences. Finally, you can add finely chopped fresh parsley for an extra flavor (if you don’t have fresh, dried parsley is a good alternative).

Serving suggestions: Serve the soup hot, directly from the pot, with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness.

Quick version: If time doesn’t allow you to cook everything from scratch, you can use previously cooked chicken or even a high-quality chicken broth.

Nutritional information and benefits: This soup is not only tasty but also nourishing. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. By consuming this soup, you will enjoy a hearty yet light dish, perfect for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! You can experiment with turkey or even beef, but the cooking time may vary.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes during preparation.

3. Can leftovers be frozen?
Yes, the soup freezes very well, but I recommend adding fresh dumplings only at the time of serving to avoid them becoming soggy.

In conclusion, chicken soup with dumplings is a dish that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a sense of comfort and warmth in every bowl. By trying this recipe, you will discover not only the joy of cooking but also the pleasure of sharing delicious meals with loved ones. Don’t forget to experiment and add your personal touches to make this soup a true symbol of family warmth!

 Ingredients: chicken (thighs, wings, and back) 3 carrots 1 onion 3 potatoes salt pepper 1/2 celery 1 red pepper dumplings 2 eggs 7 tablespoons semolina 1 tablespoon oil salt pepper

 Tags:  dumpling soup chicken soup