Tomato soup

Tomato soup with smoked chicken and rice - A warm hug on your plate

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Tomato soup is a classic dish, loved by many, which evokes pleasant childhood memories and moments spent with loved ones. This recipe combines simple and healthy ingredients into a comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or when you need a dose of warmth. Let the culinary adventure begin!

Ingredients:
- 2 medium onions
- 2 carrots
- 1 gogosar (bell pepper)
- ¼ celery
- 5-7 tablespoons rice
- 1 smoked chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably olive oil)
- tarragon (fresh or dried, to taste)
- fresh green parsley for garnish
- 4-5 liters of water

Ingredient tips:
- Choose fresh vegetables for a more intense flavor. Onions should be firm and carrots should have a bright color.
- Smoked chicken breast adds extra flavor. If you prefer, you can use fresh chicken breast, but you'll need to season it better.
- Use long grain or soup rice, which absorbs flavors well and has a smooth texture.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. Chop the onion into small cubes, the carrots and goulash into strips or cubes, and the celery into small cubes. These vegetables will form the base of your soup, adding delicious flavor and beautiful color.

2. Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Olive oil is a great choice because of its rich flavors and health benefits.

3. Sauté vegetables: Add onions and carrots to the pot. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes, until the onions are translucent. This step will intensify the flavor of the vegetables.

4. Add water: Once the vegetables have softened, add 4-5 quarts of water (depending on how thick you want the soup to be). Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.

5. Preparing the chicken: Meanwhile, dice the smoked chicken breast. Add to the pot and simmer with the vegetables for about 10 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

6. Adding the rice: Once the chicken is cooked, add the rice and stir well. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is cooked. Check occasionally to make sure it doesn't stick.

7. Finishing the soup: When the rice is cooked, add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, tarragon and finely chopped green parsley. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Leave the soup to simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

8. Serving: Tomato soup is ready! Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You can also add crunchy croutons for texture or a dollop of cream if you like a creamier taste.

Personal note: This soup is also great the next day when the flavors have intensified and become even more delicious. You can also add other vegetables such as zucchini or peas to diversify the recipe.

Nutritional benefits: Tomato soup is rich in vitamins A, C and K and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Tomatoes are known for their powerful antioxidants, which contribute to heart and skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can it be frozen? Yes, you can freeze soup, but it is recommended that you allow it to cool completely before putting it in airtight containers.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Of course! But make sure you add them to the soup a few minutes earlier to allow them to thaw completely.

Serving suggestions: This soup goes perfectly with a slice of toast or a melted cheese sandwich. A glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade will also complement the meal wonderfully.

I hope this tomato soup recipe with smoked chicken and rice will become one of your favorites, bringing smiles and good times with your loved ones! Enjoy!