Chicken noodle soup

Chicken soup with homemade noodles

Chicken soup with noodles is more than just a meal – it’s a culinary story that brings to mind moments spent with grandparents, filled with flavors and the comfort of a family meal. This recipe, with simple and natural ingredients, will bring that feeling of warmth and care, even on the busiest of days. Let’s embark on a culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

For the soup:
- ½ chicken (about 1 kg), cut into pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- ½ celery root, peeled and diced
- 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
- 400 g tomatoes in juice (or fresh tomatoes, if in season)
- 200 ml borscht (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh lovage, chopped, for serving

For the homemade noodles:
- 200 g flour
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken well and cutting it into pieces. Peel and chop the vegetables, ensuring you have everything ready before you start cooking.

2. Boil the meat: In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and enough water to cover them. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil over medium heat. Skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle for a clear broth.

3. Add the vegetables: After about 20 minutes of boiling, add the vegetables (carrots, bell pepper, onion, celery, and parsnip) to the pot. Let it boil for 30 minutes until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked.

4. Tomatoes and borscht: Add the tomatoes in juice (or fresh tomatoes, if using) and the borscht. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Taste and add salt as needed.

5. Making the homemade noodles: In a bowl, mix the flour with salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs. Knead until you obtain an elastic dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, then cut it into thin strips to form the noodles.

6. Boil the noodles: Add the noodles to the boiling soup and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft.

7. Serving: Turn off the heat and add the chopped fresh lovage. Serve the soup hot, with a sprinkle of lovage on top and, if desired, with hot pepper for an extra kick.

Suggestions and variations:
- You can add a tablespoon of olive oil for extra flavor.
- Substitute homemade noodles with store-bought noodles for a quicker option.
- Add other seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or green beans.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the chicken and vegetables. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and lovage adds not only flavor but also essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey is a healthy alternative and will pair just as well with the vegetables.

2. How can I make the soup more sour?
Add more borscht or a tablespoon of lemon juice to achieve a pleasant acidity.

3. How long can I keep the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Ideal combinations:
Chicken soup with noodles pairs perfectly with a summer salad, such as a tomato and cucumber salad, as well as with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread. A cold drink, such as mint tea or basil lemonade, will perfectly complement the meal.

So, get ready to treat your family to this delicious soup that will bring smiles and pleasant memories with every spoonful. Cooking is an art, and this recipe will turn you into true masters of culinary goodness!