Vegetable soup with pasta and chicken cutlery
Vegetable Soup with Pasta and Chicken Drumsticks: A Hearty and Healthy Delight
On a chilly day or simply when you feel the need for comfort, a warm vegetable soup with pasta and chicken drumsticks is the perfect choice. This recipe will not only warm your soul but also transform simple ingredients into a meal full of flavor and aroma. Let’s get started!
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken drumsticks (from soup chicken)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 100 g pasta (preferably small pasta or noodles)
- 1/2 can of tomato puree (about 350 g)
- 350 g peas (can be frozen or fresh)
- 2 florets of cauliflower
- 1/2 small zucchini, diced
- 1 large potato, diced
- 1 cube of soup concentrate (Knorr)
- 1 small sprig of fresh or dried thyme
- Fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing
History of the Soup
Soup is a traditional dish beloved in many cultures, often associated with family recipes and moments of togetherness. Here, we focus on a version that combines fresh vegetables with the warmth and flavor of chicken, offering a nutritious and delicious meal. Vegetable soup with pasta and chicken drumsticks is a perfect recipe for using up leftover meat and vegetables, being not only tasty but also an economical choice.
Preparing the Soup
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by peeling and chopping all the vegetables: carrots, onion, bell pepper, celery, zucchini, and potato. Uniform cutting will ensure even cooking of the ingredients. You can use a sharp knife to make this easier.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
In a pot of about 3 liters, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and place it over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until the onion becomes transparent and the vegetables release their aromas.
Step 3: Adding the chicken
Add the chicken drumsticks to the pot and let them brown together with the vegetables for another 10 minutes. This essential step will help develop a rich and deep flavor.
Step 4: Boiling the soup
Add 2.5 liters of warm water to the pot, along with the soup concentrate cube. Stir well to dissolve it. Season with salt and pepper, then let the soup boil for about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Adding the root vegetables
After the soup has boiled for about 15 minutes, add the cauliflower, potato, zucchini, and peas. Stir well and let it boil for another 10 minutes. These vegetables will add texture and vibrant flavor.
Step 6: Finishing the soup
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the tomato puree and pasta. Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente. Check the taste again and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary. Finally, add the chopped fresh parsley leaves and thyme sprig.
Serving and Suggestions
And there you have it, the soup is ready! You can serve it hot, with a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess and with chili for those who prefer a spicier taste. This soup is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons.
Variations and Tips
- Vegetarian version: If you want a meatless option, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth to enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Alternative pasta: You can also use other types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, for a different look and interesting texture.
- Seasonal vegetables: Take advantage of seasonal vegetables! You can add pumpkin, spinach, or even broccoli, depending on your preferences.
Nutritional Information
This soup is not only tasty but also healthy! It is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables and proteins from the meat. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the sour cream added. It is an excellent choice for a light yet hearty meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use leftover chicken from a prepared soup?
Yes, that’s a great idea! Using leftover chicken will add a rich flavor to your soup.
2. How long can I keep the soup in the refrigerator?
You can keep the soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
3. Can the soup be frozen?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without the pasta. The pasta can become soft after thawing. Add it fresh when reheating.
4. What drinks pair well with the soup?
A vegetable soup with pasta pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or fresh tomato juice. Additionally, a refreshing lemonade would be a pleasant choice.
This recipe for vegetable soup with pasta and chicken drumsticks will not only enrich your meal but also bring a touch of warmth on colder days. Enjoy every spoonful and share it with your loved ones! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 1/2 kg chicken thighs, 3 carrots, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, celery stalk, 100 g pasta, 1/2 can tomato puree (350 g), 350 g peas, 2 small cauliflower florets, 1 small zucchini, 1 larger potato, 1 cube of broth, 1 small sprig of thyme, parsley leaves, salt, pepper, olive oil