Country-style chicken soup

Country-style chicken soup is a traditional recipe, full of flavors and nostalgia, reminding us of hearty family meals. It is a comforting dish, perfect for cool days, enticing us with its rich taste and fresh ingredients. The soup is also a symbol of hospitality, and every housewife has her own version, adapted to her family's tastes and preferences. At the end of this recipe, you will have a delicious soup that will delight all your senses.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 small chicken (about 1 kg)
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley root
- 50 g celery (a small piece)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 2 medium potatoes
- 100 g green peas
- 100 g green beans
- 50 ml tomato paste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2-3 tablespoons oil
- juice of 1 lemon (or 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar)
- salt, pepper to taste
- hot pepper (optional, for serving)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning and washing the chicken. This is an essential step as it ensures the removal of impurities. Cut the chicken into suitable pieces so that it cooks evenly.

2. Boiling the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large pot and add cold water to cover them completely. Bring to a boil over medium heat. After the first boil, a foam will appear on the surface - it is important to remove it with a spatula or spoon to achieve a clear soup.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the chicken is boiling, clean and wash the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, dice the carrot and parsley root, and slice the bell pepper. Cut the potatoes into medium-sized cubes, and celery can be grated or chopped finely.

4. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, then add the carrot, parsley root, and bell pepper. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly soft and aromatic.

5. Combining the ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the boiled chicken. Let everything simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.

6. Adding the potatoes and frozen vegetables: After the chicken has boiled and the vegetables have started to soften, add the diced potatoes, green peas, and green beans. Let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are cooked and the chicken is tender.

7. Finalizing the soup: Finally, add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, and lemon juice or vinegar to taste. These will give the soup a pleasant acidity, balancing the flavors. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.

8. Serving: When serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and add a generous spoonful of sour cream. Don't forget the hot pepper, which will add an extra flavor and make the soup even more delicious!

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh. The quality of the ingredients significantly influences the final taste of the soup.
- If you want a heartier soup, you can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or cabbage.
- Country-style chicken soup can be easily adapted, so feel free to experiment with spices or your favorite ingredients. For example, you can add a pinch of sweet paprika for a more intense flavor.
- If you have leftover soup, it keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated the next day. Often, the soup tastes even better after a few hours, when the flavors have had time to meld.

Nutritional benefits:
Country-style chicken soup is a healthy choice, full of nutrients. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and the vegetables used provide essential vitamins and minerals for the body's health. Additionally, the lemon juice adds vitamin C, important for immunity.

Delicious combinations:
Country-style soup can be served with homemade bread or polenta for a complete meal. A cold beer or a dry white wine pairs perfectly with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the soup.

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

2. Can I make the soup without meat?
Of course! You can replace the chicken with tofu or make a vegetarian soup with more vegetables.

3. How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add fresh hot peppers during cooking or chili flakes to intensify the heat.

4. Is the soup suitable for a diet?
Country-style soup is a healthy option, being low in calories and rich in nutrients. A serving contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Country-style chicken soup is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that connects us to traditions and brings us together. So, embrace the art of cooking and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 small chicken (1 kg) 1 carrot 1 parsley 1 piece of celery (50 g) 1 red bell pepper 1 onion 2 medium-sized potatoes 100 g green peas 100 g green beans 50 ml broth green parsley 2-3 tablespoons oil lemon/vinegar/lemon salt