Tomato soup with chicken, noodles, and croutons

Chicken tomato soup with noodles and croutons is a comforting dish that combines the delicate flavors of chicken with the sweetness of tomatoes and the pleasant texture of noodles. This recipe is perfect for cool days when we want to enjoy a warm and nourishing meal. Besides its delicious taste, chicken tomato soup is also a nutritious choice, packed with vitamins from the fresh vegetables used. Let's discover together how to prepare this dish step by step!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 chicken piece (approximately 1 kg)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 white onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for vibrant color)
- 500 ml tomato juice (preferably from fresh tomatoes, but canned is also fine)
- 2 nests of noodles (approximately 100 g)
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- Homemade croutons (optional, for serving)

A bit of history:
Chicken tomato soup is a dish that has evolved over time, inspired by diverse culinary traditions. Tomatoes, originally brought from South America, have become a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world. This soup combines simple yet flavorful elements, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the chicken piece well under a stream of cold water. It is important to remove any impurities or blood. Place it in a 3-liter pot and add water until it is completely covered. Sprinkle a little salt for flavor.

2. Boiling the chicken:
Place the pot over medium heat and let the chicken boil. It is essential to remove the foam that forms on the surface in the first minutes of boiling to achieve a clear and tasty soup. This will take a few minutes.

3. Adding the vegetables:
When the meat is almost cooked (after about 40 minutes), add the whole onion, the carrots cut in half, and the bell pepper, also cut in half. These vegetables will add a subtle flavor to your soup.

4. Boiling the soup:
Let the soup simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure that too much water does not evaporate. When the vegetables are cooked, remove the onion and bell pepper from the soup (you can leave the carrots if you like).

5. Adding the noodles:
Break the noodles into smaller pieces by hand and add them to the soup. Let them boil for about 8 minutes or until the noodles are cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Adding the tomatoes:
After the noodles are cooked, add the tomato juice. Mix well and let the soup boil for a few more minutes for the flavors to combine perfectly. Taste and add salt to your preference.

7. Finalizing and serving:
Turn off the heat and add the finely chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Chicken tomato soup is served hot, alongside homemade croutons that add a crunchy and delicious note.

My personal tip:
If you want to add a touch of extra flavor, you can also add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or even a teaspoon of sweet paprika for a slightly smoky taste. You can also experiment with herbs like oregano or basil for a Mediterranean touch.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken and contains many essential vitamins from the vegetables used. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and carrots provide an important supply of beta-carotene.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, you can use boneless chicken breast, but the cooking time will be shorter.
- What other vegetables can I add? You can replace the bell pepper with zucchini or add potatoes for a heartier soup.
- How can I store the soup for the next day? The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Perfect pairings:
This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a slice of toasted bread spread with garlic butter. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine would make a perfect match for a more elegant dinner.

Chicken tomato soup with noodles and croutons is not just a simple recipe, but a journey full of flavors and aromas that will warm your soul. I encourage you to try this recipe, enjoy every step, and feel inspired to adapt it to your own preferences. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: One chicken utensil, Salt to taste, 1 white onion, 2 carrots, 1 bell pepper, 500 ml tomato juice, 2 nests of noodles, A few sprigs of parsley, homemade croutons