Chicken soup

Chicken soup is a dish that reminds us of the comfort of home and family meals, being an emblematic preparation in traditional cuisine. This soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a delicious, nourishing, and comforting meal. Today, I invite you to transform a few basic ingredients into a flavorful chicken soup that will impress anyone who sits at your table.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken wings and back
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 small celery stalk
- 1 parsnip
- 1 onion
- 2 tablespoons of fresh or jarred vegetables (if you don't have any, you can use frozen vegetables)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 100 g noodles (ideally homemade, but you can also use store-bought noodles)
- Sour borscht (optional, depending on preferences)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- A little oil (for boiling)

Ingredient details:
- Chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality meat. Wings and back provide a rich flavor to soups due to their collagen content.
- Vegetables: Carrot, celery, and parsnip add sweetness and aroma. Onion, when boiled, becomes soft and sweet, enriching the soup's taste.
- Vegetables: You can use fresh or jarred vegetables, depending on the season. Fresh vegetables will provide a more intense flavor.
- Noodles: Homemade noodles are an excellent choice, but store-bought noodles are just as good for a quick soup.
- Borscht: This is the secret that brings acidity and freshness to the soup. Adjust the amount according to taste.

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken wings and back well. Place them in a large pot with cold water and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, you will notice foam forming on the surface. This is normal and should be removed with a skimmer to obtain a clear broth.

2. Changing the water: Once you have skimmed, change the water and add fresh water again. This will help clean the taste of the chicken. Boil again until the meat is well cooked (about 30-40 minutes).

3. Adding the vegetables: Peel the carrot, celery, parsnip, and onion. Cut the vegetables into cubes or slices, depending on preference. Add them to the pot along with the chosen vegetables. Continue boiling for another 20 minutes or until the vegetables become tender.

4. Straining the soup: Use a sieve or strainer to separate the soup from the meat and vegetables. This will be the base of your soup. You can keep the vegetables if you like them, but it is more common to discard them.

5. Boiling the noodles: In another pot, boil the noodles according to the instructions on the package. Make sure to add salted water and a little oil to prevent sticking.

6. Seasoning: Put the strained soup back on the heat and add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add sour borscht for a more intense and fresh flavor. Let it boil for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

7. Serving: In each bowl, add the boiled noodles, then pour the hot chicken soup over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the soup hot, perhaps with a spoonful of sour cream on top for added creaminess.

Useful tips:
- Vegetarian option: You can adapt this recipe for a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with mushrooms and using vegetable broth.
- Optional additions: You can experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, depending on the season and preferences.
- Serving: Chicken soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread, which can be used to soak up the delicious broth.

Frequently asked questions:
- How long can the soup be stored? Chicken soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can freeze portions to enjoy later.
- Can I use other types of meat? Sure! You can use turkey or other chicken parts, such as breast, but keep in mind that the flavor will be different.
- How can I make the soup spicier? If you like spicy food, add a little hot pepper or red pepper during boiling.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken soup is an excellent source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. Chicken meat is rich in high-quality protein, while vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and nourishing choice.

Chicken soup is not just a recipe, but an experience of cooking and enjoying it with loved ones. I hope this detailed guide helps you create a delicious soup that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!