Good noodle soup
Good noodle soup is a classic dish, loved by many and often associated with the comforting and warm moments of childhood. This recipe will not only warm your soul but will surely become a family favorite. The soup is full of flavors, and the noodles add a delightful texture that will please those who savor it. Whether you prepare it for a cold day or to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, this soup will always be an excellent choice.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour (or more, depending on the type of meat)
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Necessary ingredients
- 500 g of chicken back and wings (or home-raised chicken for a more intense flavor)
- 5 medium carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 celery root
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Peppercorns (to taste)
- A few cumin seeds
- 1 packet of vegeta (or a soup seasoning mix)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Homemade noodles or a bag of thin "Monte Banato" noodles (preferable for their fine texture)
Preparation
1. Preparing the meat
Start by blanching the meat. Place the chicken in a large pot with 4 liters of cold water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, and once the water starts boiling, remove the foam that forms on the surface with a skimmer. This is an important step as it helps achieve a clear soup.
2. Adding the vegetables
After skimming off the foam, add the vegetables. Peel and wash the carrots, parsley root, celery, and onion. Cut the vegetables into large pieces and add them to the pot, along with a few peppercorns and cumin seeds. These will give the soup a fragrant and complex flavor.
3. Boiling the soup
Let the soup simmer for about 1 hour. If you are using home-raised chicken, the cooking time may be longer, so check the meat occasionally to ensure it is cooked through. Towards the end of the process, add vegeta and salt to taste. Don't forget to use your senses; the smell should be inviting, and the taste should be balanced.
4. Straining the soup
When the meat is cooked and the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the heat and let the soup sit for 10 minutes. Then, use a strainer or skimmer to strain the soup into another clean pot, removing all the vegetables and meat remnants. If desired, you can leave a few pieces of meat in the soup for added texture.
5. Preparing the noodles
In another pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook according to the package instructions or until al dente. Homemade noodles require a shorter cooking time, so be careful. Once they are ready, rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and drain.
6. Assembling the soup
Add the noodles to the strained soup and stir gently. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
7. Serving
When you are ready to serve, finely chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it onto the plates, adding a touch of freshness and color. You can also add a few lemon slices on the side of the plate for a pleasant contrast.
Serving suggestions
Good noodle soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. You can also accompany it with a glass of dry white wine or a fragrant herbal tea, which will perfectly complement family meals.
Possible variations
Experiment! You can add extra vegetables like zucchini or peas to diversify the recipe. If you want a more intense flavor, add a few strands of saffron or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Nutritional benefits
This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken and full of vitamins from the vegetables. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, and parsley is packed with antioxidants. Additionally, the noodles provide complex carbohydrates, which are essential for energy.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use beef or pork?
Yes, but the cooking time will vary. Make sure the meat is well cooked to avoid any health issues.
- How can I store the soup for later?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I recommend keeping the noodles separate to avoid them becoming too soft.
- Can I make the soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the meat with tofu or mushrooms and use seasonal vegetables for a delicious flavor.
Good noodle soup is more than just a recipe; it is a family story, a tradition, a gesture of love. Each spoonful brings with it memories and pleasant moments spent with loved ones. So, don't hesitate to prepare it and enjoy this delicacy, bringing a touch of warmth to every plate. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Back and bird wings, 5 carrots, 1 parsley root, 1 celery root, whole pepper, 1 small onion, 3 cloves of garlic, a few cumin seeds, vegeta, salt, 1 bunch of fresh parsley. Homemade noodles, or a bag of thin noodles, 'monte banato' (I use these).