Italian tomato and chicken soup - minestrone soup

Name: Italian tomato and chicken soup - minestrone soup - Ofelia N.
Ingredients: 1 chicken 1 kg green peppers 1 red pepper 1 piece of celery 3 carrots chicken spices 2 tablespoons of water 6 liters of oregano thyme onion olive oil 2 tablespoons 2 bay leaves 3 slices of bread; for croutons 100 g parmesan 3 cloves of garlic 300 g tomato paste marjoram 2 onions 150 g wide noodles 2 leeks 2 stalks 1/4 cabbage

Soups - Italian tomato and chicken soup - minestrone soup by Ofelia N. - Recipia

Italian Tomato and Chicken Soup - Minestrone Soup The journey into the culinary world is always fascinating, and minestrone soup, a classic Italian recipe, brings a touch of tradition to every bowl. This soup is not just a warm meal but also a feast of flavors, colors, and textures, perfect for cool days or moments when we want to indulge in a healthy and nourishing dish. Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Servings: 6-8 Ingredients: - 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg) - 1 kg fresh tomatoes - 1 green bell pepper - 1 red bell pepper - 1 piece of celery (approximately 200g) - 3 carrots - 2 medium onions - 2 leeks - 1/4 cabbage (approximately 200g) - 300 g tomato paste - 150 g wide noodles - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 bay leaves - 3 cloves of garlic - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram - Chicken spices (salt, pepper, paprika) - 3 slices of bread (for croutons) - 100 g grated Parmesan The History of Minestrone Soup Minestrone soup has deep roots in Italian cuisine, being a perfect example of how culinary tradition can vary from region to region. It is said that every housewife has her own recipe, adapted to the seasonal ingredients available and the family's preferences. This dish symbolizes the idea of "cleaning out the fridge" - all leftover vegetables can be transformed into a delicious and comforting soup. Step by Step 1. Preparing the Chicken: Start by cleaning the chicken, removing fat and skin. Wash it well under cold running water. Place it in a large pot, add 6 liters of water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Put the pot over medium heat and let the water boil. 2. Skimming the Foam: As the water starts to boil, you will notice foam forming on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove this foam, ensuring your soup will be clear and appetizing. 3. Preparing the Vegetables: While the chicken is boiling, clean the vegetables. Cut the green and red bell peppers into small cubes, and the carrots, celery, and onion into smaller pieces. Slice the leeks and cabbage into thin strips. The tomatoes can be diced or, if you prefer, pureed for a finer texture. 4. Adding Vegetables to the Soup: After the chicken has boiled for about 20 minutes, add all the chopped vegetables to the pot. Stir gently and let them simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes. 5. Seasoning: Add the tomato paste and chicken spices. Don’t forget the bay leaves, oregano, thyme, basil, and marjoram. These herbs will add fantastic flavor to your dish. 6. Adding the Noodles: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the wide noodles. Let the soup boil for another 10-15 minutes or until they are cooked. 7. Finishing the Soup: In the last few minutes of cooking, add the finely chopped garlic for an extra flavor boost. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes. 8. Preparing the Croutons: While the soup cools slightly, cut the slices of bread into cubes. Place them in a baking dish and bake at 180°C for 7 minutes or until golden and crispy. 9. Serving: Pour the hot soup into bowls, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top, and add the crispy croutons. You can garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for an even more appetizing look. Practical Tips - Choosing the Chicken: It’s preferable to use a whole chicken, as it will provide a richer flavor to the soup. If you are short on time, you can use boneless chicken, but the flavor will be different. - Vegetable Varieties: Don’t hesitate to add or replace vegetables according to your preferences. Zucchini, green beans, or squash can be excellent additions. - Tomato Paste: If you like a more tangy soup, you can add a larger amount of tomato paste or even a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end. - Storing the Soup: Minestrone soup keeps very well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze it to enjoy later, but the noodles may become soft once thawed. Nutritional Benefits This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken, but also in fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and the greens add a lot of beneficial nutrients for health. Recommended Pairings Minestrone soup pairs perfectly with a slice of rustic bread or a fresh green salad. You can accompany the meal with a dry white wine or a glass of sparkling water to enhance digestion. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option and can be added directly to the soup without needing to thaw them. 2. How can I make the soup spicier? You can add chili flakes or a hot sauce during cooking, depending on your preferences. 3. Is the soup suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth instead of water. Unique Note For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a few chopped green or black olives at the end to create a surprising combination of tastes. This soup is not just a recipe but a culinary experience that will bring smiles to your table. Enjoy this Italian tomato and chicken soup, savoring every spoonful!

Category: Soups Author: Ofelia N. Views: 1 Date: 04.10.2024

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