Tomato soup with chicken and rice

Tomato soup with chicken and rice – A warm hug in every bowl

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

On a cool, slightly rainy day, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm soup, full of flavors and vibrant colors. Tomato soup with chicken and rice is a traditional dish that combines simple ingredients with cooking techniques, resulting in a delicious outcome that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, offering a balanced content of proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (400 g) or 5-6 ripe fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup of rice (preferably long-grain rice for better texture)
- 1-2 onions, chopped
- 1-2 carrots, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley or dill, for added flavor (I personally prefer dill)
- 1 chicken back with wings (or your preferred chicken meat)
- 1 bell pepper (optional, but recommended to enhance the flavor)
- Salt, to taste

Step by step: Preparing the tomato soup with chicken and rice

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning the chicken wings and back. This is an important step, as removing impurities will contribute to a cleaner and fresher taste of the soup. After cleaning, wash the meat well under cold water. Place the chicken in a large pot, add water (about 2 liters) and a teaspoon of salt.

2. Boiling the soup base: Place the pot on the stove and let it cook over medium heat. After about 15 minutes, when the water starts to boil, foam will appear. Use a spoon or skimmer to remove the foam from the surface. This will help achieve a clear and appetizing soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once you have cleaned the foam, add the chopped onion and carrot. If you choose to use the bell pepper, now is the ideal time to add it as well. Let everything simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, until the meat is well cooked and the vegetables become tender.

4. Rice and tomatoes: After the meat is cooked, add the rinsed rice to remove excess starch. This will help achieve perfectly cooked rice without sticking. Now add the chopped tomatoes or canned tomatoes. Gently stir to combine the ingredients. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Finishing the soup: When the rice is cooked and the vegetables have softened, it’s time to add the finely chopped greens. I prefer dill for its distinct aroma, but parsley is an excellent alternative. Mix well and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Serving:

This tomato soup with chicken and rice is served hot, ideal for a family meal. You can garnish it with a few fresh dill or parsley leaves on top, and serve it alongside a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. A personal idea: you can also add a few drops of lemon to enhance the flavor!

Nutritional benefits:

This soup is rich in protein from the chicken, and tomatoes provide an excellent source of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which supports heart health. Carrots add vitamin A, while rice provides complex carbohydrates, offering lasting energy.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use beef? Of course! This recipe can be adapted using beef or pork, but the cooking time will vary.

- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a few chili flakes or freshly ground pepper during cooking for an extra kick of flavor.

- What other vegetables can I add? You can experiment with celery, zucchini, or even pumpkin, depending on your preferences.

Possible variations:

To add a personal touch, you can try adding spices like basil or oregano, which pair wonderfully with tomatoes. You can also turn this soup into a vegetarian dish by omitting the meat and adding chickpeas or lentils for a protein boost.

Serving suggestion:

This soup pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or a light beer, and for a classic dessert, I recommend finishing your meal with an apple pie or vanilla ice cream, which will perfectly complement the culinary experience.

Tomato soup with chicken and rice is not just a meal, but a story, a ritual that brings the family together, a touch of tradition on plates. So gather your pantry ingredients, get ready to enjoy a culinary journey, and surprise your loved ones with this comforting and flavorful soup!

 Ingredients: 1 can of red tomatoes in juice 400 g or 5-6 tomatoes 1 cup of rice 1-2 onions 1-2 carrots 1 bunch of parsley (I used dill :) ) 1 chicken back with wings 1 bell pepper (optional) salt

 Tags:  soup tomato soup vegetables