Chicken soup with vegetables

Chicken borscht with vegetables - a classic recipe, full of flavor and warmth, that will remind you of family meals spent around a table full of goodies. This borscht is not only nourishing but also comforting, perfect for cold days or for moments when you need a boost of energy and good mood.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1 large, fresh chicken (about 1.5-2 kg)
- 4 eggs
- 1 celery root (about 200 g)
- 2 parsnip roots
- 2 red bell peppers
- 6-8 medium carrots
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 liter of borscht (can be store-bought or homemade)
- Salt, freshly ground pink pepper, dried tarragon
- Salt-free Vegeta (ideally from a health food store)

Recipe history:
Chicken borscht with vegetables is a traditional recipe that has been prepared across generations in many cultures. Although the ingredients and cooking techniques may vary, the essence of this soup remains constant: a harmonious combination of meat, vegetables, and a tangy note from the borscht. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a sense of warmth and comfort to your soul.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the chicken:
Start by washing the chicken well under cold running water. Make sure to remove all impurities. Then, cut it into suitable pieces so that it cooks evenly. It is recommended to use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

2. Boiling the chicken:
Place the chicken pieces in a 6-liter pot and cover them with water. Put the pot over medium heat and allow it to reach a boiling point. Once the water starts to boil, you will notice foam forming on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove this foam, ensuring that the soup remains clear and transparent.

3. Straining the broth:
Once you have removed the foam, transfer the chicken pieces to another pot and strain the broth in which the chicken was boiled. This step is essential for obtaining a clear soup, and the broth will have a rich chicken flavor.

4. Preparing the vegetables:
In the same pot with the chicken broth, add the finely chopped vegetables: celery, parsnip, bell peppers, and carrots. It is important that the vegetables are cut uniformly to cook at the same time. Also, add the salt-free Vegeta and let everything simmer over medium heat.

5. Adding the borscht:
After the vegetables have softened (about 20-30 minutes), heat the borscht separately and add it to the pot. Let everything come to a boil, and then adjust the salt and pepper to taste. This moment is essential, so do not hesitate to taste and adjust the seasonings.

6. Preparing the eggs and parsley:
In a separate bowl, beat the 4 eggs until frothy. Add the finely chopped fresh parsley, keeping some aside for garnish.

7. Finalizing the borscht:
After the soup has boiled a few times, you can add the beaten eggs. Stir gently to avoid forming lumps. After 5 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and cover it with a lid to let the flavors combine.

8. Serving:
The soup is served hot, garnished with fresh parsley. You can also add some slices of fresh bread or croutons for an extra texture.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more sour borscht, you can add lemon juice or white wine vinegar before serving.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or peas, depending on your preferences.
- An interesting variation is to add a few pink peppercorns for a more exotic taste.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, it is recommended to fully thaw it before cooking to achieve even boiling.

2. Can I replace the borscht with something else?
If you don't have borscht, you can use tomato juice or water with a splash of vinegar to add a tangy note.

3. How long can the borscht be kept?
The borscht can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and if you want to freeze it, it's best to do so without the eggs.

Nutritional benefits:
This chicken borscht is rich in proteins, vitamins, and essential minerals. The added vegetables contribute to fiber intake, and the chicken provides a source of lean protein. It is a healthy, nourishing meal, ideal for the whole family.

Serving suggestions:
I recommend serving this borscht alongside a fresh salad or soft polenta. A glass of dry white wine or unsweetened herbal tea can perfectly complement the meal.

Enjoy this chicken borscht with vegetables, a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 large chicken. 4 eggs. 1 celery. 2 parsnip roots. 2 red bell peppers. 6-8 medium carrots. 1 bunch of fresh parsley. 1 liter of borscht. salt, freshly ground pink pepper, dried tarragon, salt-free vegetable seasoning (organic health food store).