Smoked Chicken Soup

Smoked Chicken Soup – a comforting delight

Smoked chicken soup is a classic recipe, carrying memories and flavors that remind us of family meals, moments of relaxation, and the comfort of home. This soup is rich in nutrients and tastes, having that perfect balance between tender chicken and smoked meat, giving it a unique character. Its preparation is simple and quick, resulting in a fragrant, lively soup.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken without breast (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red capia pepper
- 1 large carrot
- 1 white onion
- 1 bunch of green onions
- Green onion tops (for serving)
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1 medium potato
- 2 eggs
- Smoked meat (bacon, kaizer – your choice, the smokier, the better)
- 2 ripe tomatoes (or 200 ml of tomato puree)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 liter of borscht (or more, to taste)
- Fresh lovage (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon curry (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vegeta (or salt, to taste)

Preparation techniques:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken well and cutting it into portions. It’s important to choose a fresh, quality chicken, as the meat will greatly influence the final taste of the soup. Also, finely chop the white onion, grate the carrot, and cut the pepper and parsnip into small cubes, and the potato into suitable pieces.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped white onion over medium heat until it becomes glassy. Then, add the grated carrot and chopped pepper, continuing to sauté for a few more minutes. This step is essential, as sautéing the vegetables helps to enhance the flavors.

3. Boiling the chicken: In another pot, add 3 liters of water and the chicken portions. Bring to a boil and skim off any foam as necessary to achieve a clear broth. This step will remove impurities and make the soup more appetizing.

4. Adding the smoked meat and vegetables: After the chicken has boiled for 20 minutes, add the smoked meat, potato, and the other chopped vegetables. Let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, until all the vegetables are soft and the chicken is cooked.

5. Finalizing the soup: Towards the end, add the pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, borscht, and spices (paprika, curry, vegeta). Let it boil for another 5 minutes. This will add a pleasant acidity and vibrant color to the soup.

6. Beaten eggs: In a bowl, beat the two eggs. When the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and add the beaten egg, stirring quickly. This will add a creamy consistency and a unique flavor.

7. Serving: Add fresh lovage and finely chopped green onion tops on top of the soup. Serve hot, alongside hot chili peppers for those who prefer a spicier taste.

Useful tips:
- You can vary the recipe by adding other preferred vegetables, such as zucchini or celery.
- If you like a more sour soup, you can add more borscht or lemon juice.
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh to achieve a rich and flavorful aroma.
- The soup can be prepared a few hours before serving; the taste will intensify and become even more delicious.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Smoked chicken soup is not only tasty but also healthy. A serving has about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of smoked meat used. It contains quality proteins from chicken, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure it is completely thawed before cooking.
2. How long can the soup be kept in the fridge?
It can be stored in airtight containers for 3-4 days.
3. Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with tofu or seitan and use vegetables and vegetable broth.

Accompanying recipes:
Smoked chicken soup pairs perfectly with warm polenta or homemade bread. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade are ideal accompaniments.

Smoked chicken soup is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth to every home. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or on an ordinary day, each spoonful will be an explosion of flavors and nostalgia. So put on your apron and let’s cook together!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken without breast, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red capia pepper, 1 large carrot, 1 white onion, 1 green onion, green onion tops, 1 parsnip, 1 parsley, 1 potato, 2 eggs, smoked meat (smoked ribs, kaiser), tomatoes, tomato paste, borscht, lovage, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon curry, vegeta

 Tags:  chicken soup