Smoked chicken soup with vegetables

Chicken soup with smoked meat and vegetables - a comforting recipe, rich in flavors and full of tradition. This dish is perfect for cool days when we want to indulge in a warm and hearty meal. Moreover, the combination of chicken, smoked meat, fresh vegetables, and spices adds an extra layer of flavor, turning each serving into a true delight.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 400 g chicken breast
- 400 g smoked pork belly
- 1 bell pepper
- 3 onions
- 1 large carrot or 2 smaller ones
- 1 parsley root
- 1 jar of peas (700 ml)
- 1 jar of green beans (700 ml)
- 100 ml olive oil
- 4-5 tablespoons sour cream
- 9 g vegeta (chicken flavor)
- 2-3 g curry
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons magic borscht (or 1 cup of homemade borscht)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, as preferred)
- Hot pepper (optional, for those who love a bit of heat)

The history of smoked meat soup

Soup is an emblematic dish in many cultures, with deep roots in culinary traditions. It has evolved over time, with each region adding its personal touch through specific ingredients. Chicken soup with smoked meat and vegetables is a delicious variant that combines the flavor of smoked meat with the freshness of vegetables, resulting in a nourishing and comforting broth.

Preparing the soup: Step by step

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing and cleaning the vegetables. Even canned or jarred vegetables should be rinsed under cold water to remove any impurities. Chop the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and parsley into small cubes or as preferred. If you like texture, you can leave the vegetables a bit larger.

2. Preparing the meat: Wash the chicken breast well and cut it into medium-sized cubes. It is important that they are not too large to cook evenly, nor too small to dry out. Slice the pork belly into thin slices to allow the flavors to release into the soup.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped vegetables. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become slightly translucent without browning.

4. Adding the meat: Add the chicken breast and pork belly to the pot. Mix well to combine the flavors and let cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken changes color.

5. Boiling the ingredients: Pour 2 cups of water into the pot, enough to cover the ingredients. Add the peas and green beans, then let everything simmer over medium heat for 20-25 minutes. This is where the soup will develop its flavor, so be patient!

6. Seasoning: After the vegetables and meat have boiled, add vegeta and curry. These spices will enhance the flavor of the soup. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.

7. Incorporating the sour cream: In a plate, put the sour cream and add 3-4 tablespoons of water. Mix well to thin it out so it won't curdle when added to the soup. Pour the sour cream into the pot, stirring constantly.

8. Finishing the soup: Add the borscht, allowing the soup to reach a final boil. This will add a note of acidity, balancing the rich flavors of the meat and vegetables. Once it has boiled, turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes.

9. Serving: You can serve the soup with or without herbs, depending on your preferences. Personally, I like to add freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness. If you are a fan of hot pepper, feel free to add it to the bowl!

Practical tips for a perfect soup

- Use quality chicken, preferably organic, for better taste.
- If you don't have magic borscht, you can use homemade borscht for an authentic flavor.
- You can vary the vegetables according to the season or preferences: celery, zucchini, or even potatoes can be added for a different texture.
- The soup can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the taste will be even better the next day when the flavors have melded.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of chicken soup with smoked meat and vegetables contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream and oil used. This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken and smoked meat, while the vegetables add essential fiber and vitamins. It is a nourishing dish, ideal for a lunch or dinner.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can replace the chicken breast with pork or beef, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted.

2. Is the soup suitable for children?
With a little less curry and without hot pepper, the soup is an excellent option for children, full of nutrients.

3. How can I keep the soup longer?
The soup keeps well in the fridge, but it can also be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

4. What other recipes can it be paired with?
Chicken soup with smoked meat can be served alongside warm polenta or fresh bread, perfectly complementing the meal.

I encourage you to try this chicken soup with smoked meat and vegetables recipe, personalize it to your taste, and enjoy every word of this culinary story! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: -400 g chicken breast - 400 g smoked bacon - 1 large red bell pepper - 3 onions - 1 large carrot or 2 smaller ones - 1 parsley root - 1 can of peas - 700 ml - 1 jar of green beans - 700 ml - 100 ml olive oil - 4-5 tablespoons of sour cream - Vegeta (with chicken flavor) - a little curry - 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of magic bors (if you have homemade bors, you can use a cup) - greens