Chicken soup

Chicken soup with fluffy dumplings

When it comes to comfort food, chicken soup with fluffy dumplings holds a special place in the hearts of many. This recipe is not just a meal, but a piece of childhood memories, when the aroma of boiled chicken with vegetables filled the house and gathered the family around the table. Each spoonful is like a warm hug, and the fluffy dumplings are the highlight of this classic dish.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

For the chicken soup:
- 1 free-range chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 3 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 onion
- 1 celery
- 1 piece of leek
- 1 bell pepper (optional)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the dumplings:
- 1 egg
- 60 g semolina
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 tablespoon of water
- Salt to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken thoroughly under cold running water. This is an essential step to ensure you get a clean and tasty soup. After washing, place it in a large pot and add cold water until it is completely covered. Add a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors.

2. Boiling the chicken: Place the pot over medium heat and let the chicken boil. As the water begins to boil, foam will rise to the surface. Use a skimmer to remove the foam, ensuring the soup remains clear. This step is important because the foam contains impurities that can affect the final taste of the soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: When the chicken has boiled for about 20 minutes, add the peeled and chopped vegetables: carrots, parsnip, onion, celery, leek, and bell pepper. These will add flavor and extra nutrients to your soup. Let everything simmer over medium heat for 20-30 minutes.

4. Straining the soup: After the vegetables have boiled, remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot. Use a sieve to strain the soup, leaving it clear and aromatic. You can keep the vegetables to use in other dishes or add them back to the soup for added texture.

5. Preparing the dumplings: In a bowl, beat the egg with a little salt. Add the water and oil, mixing well. Then, gradually add the semolina, stirring continuously until you achieve a consistency similar to thick cream. Finally, fold in the baking powder, which will make the dumplings fluffy.

6. Resting the mixture: Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes. This step allows the semolina to absorb moisture and will lead to lighter dumplings.

7. Boiling the dumplings: Put another pot of salted water to boil. When the water is boiling, form small balls from the dumpling mixture using a spoon. Carefully place them in the boiling water. Boil for 10 minutes, then add a glass of cold water. This trick will help the dumplings not to disintegrate and remain fluffy. Let them boil for another 5 minutes.

8. Finalizing the soup: Once the dumplings are ready, remove them with a slotted spoon and add them to the strained soup. Then, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serving: Serve the soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or crispy croutons. It’s a perfect choice for a family dinner or a comforting meal on chilly winter evenings.

Useful tips:
- You can also use other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, to vary the flavor of the soup.
- If you want to enrich the taste, add a few peppercorns or a bay leaf during boiling.
- Dumplings can also be served with sauces or in other soups, turning them into a versatile delicacy.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the vegetables provide an important intake of vitamins and minerals. The semolina offers carbohydrates that will energize you, making this recipe an ideal choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can replace the chicken with turkey or even beef, keeping in mind that the boiling time will be different.
2. How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The dumplings may become soft, so it is recommended to add them only to the portion you intend to consume.
3. What drinks pair well with the soup? A fresh lemonade or a light white wine can perfectly complement this dish.

I hope this recipe brings you joy and pleasant moments in the kitchen. Cooking is an art, and each recipe is a story waiting to be told. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and let the aromas fill your home and heart!

 Ingredients: 1 free-range chicken, 3 carrots, 1 parsnip, 1 onion, 1 celery, 1 piece of leek, parsley, salt, pepper, 1 bell pepper, Dumplings, 1 egg, 60 g semolina, a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 tablespoon of water, a pinch of baking powder.

 Tags:  chicken soup soup chicken soup recipes dishes with dumplings