Thickened chicken soup

Chicken Soup: A Delight of Traditional Flavors

Chicken soup is a dish that reminds us of the lavish meals of childhood, when the aroma of hot soup filled the house and made us feel welcomed. It is a simple recipe, yet full of flavor, combining fresh ingredients with culinary tradition. With a preparation time of about 30 minutes and a cooking time of 60 minutes, this delicious soup can be served for 6 portions. Let's discover together how to prepare it!

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 liters of water
- 1 chicken (about 1.5 kg, cut into pieces)
- 1 carrot (peeled and diced)
- 1 parsnip (peeled and diced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3-4 tomatoes (fresh or canned, diced)
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of rice (optional, for a richer consistency)
- Salt (to taste)
- Greens (parsley and dill, finely chopped)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning and chopping all the vegetables. Ensure that the tomatoes are ripe to bring a rich flavor to your soup. If using canned tomatoes, choosing those without preservatives is essential.

2. Boiling the onion: Place the finely chopped onion in a large pot with 2 liters of cold water. The onion will add a pleasant aroma to your soup. Wait for it to reach the boiling point.

3. Adding the chicken: Once the water has started to boil, add the pieces of chicken. Also, add the necessary salt to enhance the flavor. Let it boil on medium heat, skimming the soup to remove impurities.

4. Including the vegetables: When the chicken is half cooked (about 30 minutes), add the carrot, parsnip, rice, and some of the tomatoes. These ingredients will bring a wealth of flavors and a pleasant texture.

5. Finalizing the soup: When the soup is almost ready, add the remaining tomatoes and the chopped greens. Place the soup on the heat for another 10-15 minutes, until all the ingredients are well cooked.

6. Sour the soup: If you like a more sour soup, this is the stage where you can add lemon juice or vinegar, depending on your preferences. I recommend starting with a tablespoon and adjusting the taste.

7. Enriching with egg and sour cream: In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the sour cream. Take the hot soup from the pot and gradually add the egg and sour cream mixture while continuously stirring to prevent the egg from coagulating. This step will add a special creaminess to your soup.

8. Serving: The soup is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot, sprinkled with fresh greens on top. You can add a slice of lemon for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips:

- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few peppercorns or a bay leaf at the beginning of the boiling process.
- Using chicken: Choose a younger chicken for more tender meat. Free-range chicken, for example, offers a stronger flavor and authentic taste.
- Variations of the recipe: You can experiment with different vegetables, such as celery or bell pepper. You can also replace the rice with quinoa for a healthier, gluten-free option.

Nutritional benefits:

Chicken soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken provides high-quality protein, while the vegetables bring a rich supply of fiber, vitamins A and C, essential for immune system health. Sour cream adds calcium and healthy fats, aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use meat from another bird?
Yes, you can replace chicken with turkey or duck. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat used.

2. How long can the soup be stored?
The soup can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze the soup, but it is recommended not to add sour cream before freezing.

3. What can I serve alongside the soup?
A slice of fresh bread or a spread with garlic paste can be a perfect accompaniment. Also, a fresh salad will wonderfully complement the meal.

A personal note:

Chicken soup is often made in families for special occasions or on chilly days. The memories around the table, sharing stories and laughter, are what make this soup a soul dish. I recommend preparing it with loved ones, sharing the recipe, and creating beautiful memories around the table.

In conclusion, chicken soup is a dish that not only nourishes but also brings joy to the souls of those who savor it. With a simple recipe and readily available ingredients, I invite you to start cooking and enjoy every spoonful!

 Ingredients: 2 liters of water, 1 chicken, 1 carrot, 1 parsnip, 1 onion, tomatoes, herbs, 1 egg, 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of rice, salt

 Tags:  chicken meat vegetables sour cream rice soup