Homemade chicken noodle soup

Chicken soup with homemade noodles

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

On a chilly day or when you need a touch of comfort, chicken soup with homemade noodles is the perfect choice. With a rich flavor and simple ingredients, this recipe will not only warm your soul but also bring you the joy of cooking something delicious from scratch. Although it is a classic recipe, homemade noodles make all the difference, offering a unique and authentic taste. Let's get started!

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 1 kg chicken meat (preferably use free-range chicken for a more intense flavor)
- 3 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 celery root
- 1 large onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 small zucchini
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, for serving

For the noodles:
- 100 g flour (preferably type 000 flour for finer noodles)
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the chicken soup

1. Cleaning and preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning the chicken meat, removing any feathers or impurities. A traditional method is to pass the meat through a flame to remove any remaining hair. This step adds a slight smoky flavor, but it is not mandatory.

2. Boiling the meat: Place the meat in a large pot, add water and a tablespoon of salt. Allow it to boil over medium heat, skimming off the foam that forms on the surface with a skimmer. This will help achieve a clear soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: After a few boils, add the cleaned and chopped vegetables: carrots, parsnip, celery, the onion cut in half, and the whole garlic. These vegetables will add a delicious flavor to the soup. Let it boil together for about 30-40 minutes, until the meat is well cooked.

4. Straining the soup: Once the meat and vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and strain the soup, keeping the liquid. The meat and vegetables can be used for other dishes, such as salads or pilafs.

Step 2: Preparing the homemade noodles

5. Preparing the dough: In a bowl, combine the flour, egg, and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough with the palm of your hand for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for obtaining fine and delicate noodles.

6. Resting the dough: Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, covered with a damp towel. This will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.

7. Rolling and cutting: Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a thin sheet of about 1 mm. Cut strips to your desired size, being careful not to make them too wide, to achieve thin noodles. Let them dry on the table for 20 minutes, so they do not stick together when boiling.

Step 3: Boiling the noodles

8. Boiling the noodles: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil with salt. Once the water is boiling, add the noodles and cook for 10 minutes. Be careful not to leave them too long, as fresh noodles cook quickly.

9. Cooling and finishing: After the noodles are ready, drain them under a cold running water to stop the cooking process. Then, add them to the strained soup and let them boil together for 3-4 minutes, for the flavors to meld.

Serving

10. Serving the soup: Pour the hot soup into bowls, add the noodles, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. This final touch will add a note of freshness and color to the dish.

Helpful tips

- Delicious combinations: This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or seasoned croutons. A simple green salad can complement the meal, adding an extra touch of freshness.
- Variations: You can experiment with vegetables, adding bell peppers, potatoes, or even mushrooms for extra flavor. Additionally, substituting chicken with turkey meat is a healthy and delicious alternative.
- Storage: The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later consumption. Homemade noodles are best prepared fresh, but if you wish, you can freeze them after rolling them out.

Nutritional benefits

This chicken soup is an excellent nutritional choice. Chicken meat provides quality protein, while the vegetables are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Homemade noodles, made with simple ingredients, are much healthier than store-bought ones, as they contain no preservatives.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure it is well thawed before boiling.

- How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add a few slices of hot pepper or a sprinkle of paprika during cooking for an extra kick of flavor.

- Can I replace the noodles with rice?
Absolutely! The soup is just as delicious with rice, and the cooking time will be reduced.

A personal note

This recipe has become a family favorite over the years. I learned it from my grandmother, who used homemade noodles as a secret ingredient to transform an ordinary soup into a memorable meal. I always remember the enticing smell of the soup simmering on the stove, and I hope it brings you the same warm memories.

So, don’t hesitate to try this recipe for chicken soup with homemade noodles. It is simple, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the soup: 1 kg chicken meat, 3 carrots, 1 parsnip, 1 celery root, 1 large onion, 1 clove of garlic, 1/2 small zucchini, salt, pepper, fresh parsley. For the noodles: 100 g flour, 1 egg, a pinch of salt.

 Tags:  soup vegetables noodles