Chicken soup

Chicken soup is a classic, comforting dish that reminds us of warm days spent with loved ones. This simple recipe not only combines accessible ingredients, but also offers an explosion of flavors that entice our senses. Whether you are recovering from a cold or simply desire a comforting meal, chicken soup is the perfect choice for any occasion.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 1 chicken breast (about 300 g)
- 2 duck legs (optional, for a richer taste)
- 1 kg carrots (peeled)
- 3 celery roots (or celeriac)
- 5 parsley roots
- 2 large onions (peeled)
- 200 g noodles (or pasta, as preferred)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)

Useful for preparation

- A large pot (5 liters)
- Skimmer
- Kitchen knife
- Grater (optional, for chopping vegetables)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling all the vegetables. Cut the carrots in half, the parsley and celery into large pieces, and leave the onion whole for easier removal later. If using duck legs, make sure to clean them well of skin.

2. Boiling the meat and vegetables: Fill a large pot with about 5 liters of cold water. Add the chicken cut into pieces, the duck legs, the prepared vegetables, and a teaspoon of salt. Place the pot over low heat and partially cover it with a lid.

3. Skimming: As the water begins to boil, foam will form on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove the foam, ensuring the soup remains clear and delicious.

4. Slow cooking: Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for about 3 hours. It is important not to rush this process, as slow cooking will help extract flavors from the meat and vegetables, resulting in a rich and tasty soup.

5. Checking the taste: After 3 hours, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. You can add more salt, pepper, or bay leaves according to your preferences.

6. Finishing the soup: Remove all ingredients from the soup. If desired, you can shred the meat from the bones and cut it into small pieces to add back into the soup. Add the cooked carrots cut into rounds and noodles. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes until the noodles are cooked, then remove from heat.

7. Serving: Add freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

Chef's tip

For an even more flavorful soup, you can add a few whole garlic cloves during boiling. Additionally, if you prefer a more intense flavor, replace some of the water with chicken stock (if available) or add a few black peppercorns.

Variations

1. Homemade noodle soup: Instead of store-bought noodles, you can make homemade noodles. It’s a simple process that will give you a unique texture and flavor.

2. Soup with assorted vegetables: Add other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or peas to enrich the soup with additional nutrients.

3. Spicy soup: If you enjoy spicy food, you can add a bit of finely chopped chili pepper during cooking.

Pairings and serving

Chicken soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. You can also serve it alongside a light green salad to add a fresh contrast.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken soup is not only comforting but also full of benefits. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. This soup is a great choice for recovery after a difficult period, being low in calories but nutritious.

Frequently asked questions

- Why should we skim the soup?
Skimming helps remove impurities and coagulated proteins that form on the surface, resulting in a clearer and tastier soup.

- Can I use leftover meat or vegetables?
Absolutely! Chicken soup is perfect for using leftover meat or vegetables. This is an excellent way to avoid food waste.

- How long can the soup be stored?
You can keep the soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it to enjoy later.

Chicken soup is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your tastes. I invite you to experiment and add your personal touch to this classic recipe, bringing a touch of warmth to every bowl. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: The simplest soup you can prepare, yet one of the tastiest. It will rejuvenate you after fatigue, a cold, or depression. Guaranteed :) I boiled the vegetables and meat for a beef salad, and the resulting broth was adjusted to create a very aromatic and concentrated soup. (10 servings): 1 chicken, 1 chicken breast, 2 duck legs, 1 kg carrots, 3 celeriac, 5 parsley roots, 2 large onions, noodles, parsley, the secret of flavor/delicacy, pepper, bay leaves.