Alphabet Chicken Soup

Alphabet Chicken Soup: A Journey into the World of Pure and Comforting Flavors

When it comes to soups, few can match the charm of a clear chicken soup, where delicate flavors dance on the palate. This alphabet chicken soup is not just a meal, but a childhood memory, a warm hug in a bowl. Today, I invite you to discover the secrets of this simple yet flavorful recipe, and by the end, you will have a perfectly clear soup that will be the pride of your table.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 free-range chicken (about 1.5-2 kg)
- 1 medium celery
- 2 parsnip roots
- 2-3 large carrots
- 1 large onion
- 200 g alphabet pasta (or any other type of pasta you prefer)
- 2 teaspoons of salt (or to taste)
- freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- fresh parsley, for serving

Secrets to a perfect soup:
To achieve a clear and flavorful soup, it is essential to follow a few basic rules. These are:
1. Simmering - this helps maintain the clarity of the soup.
2. The chicken should be placed in cold water - this step allows the flavors to develop gradually.
3. Constant skimming - removes impurities that can cloud the soup.
4. Straining - helps achieve a clear soup.

1. Preparing the chicken
Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken, rinsing it under cold running water. This step is essential to remove any impurities. Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with cold water. I recommend using a mesh basket to facilitate removing the chicken, but if you don’t have one, it’s not a problem.

2. Initial boiling
Place the pot on low heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. During this time, you can prepare the vegetables. Clean and wash the celery, parsnips, carrots, and onion. Cut the vegetables into large pieces, and quarter the onion.

3. Adding the vegetables
After 20 minutes, add the vegetables to the pot along with the 2 teaspoons of salt. Continue to simmer on low heat, being careful not to raise the temperature suddenly. I simmered the soup for 3 hours, but you can adjust the time based on how tender you want the chicken.

4. Skimming the soup
During the cooking process, remove the foam that forms on the surface with a slotted spoon. This step is essential for achieving a clear soup. Once the foam stops appearing, you can cover the pot with a lid to prevent too much liquid from evaporating.

5. Straining the soup
When the soup is ready, place a strainer over an empty pot and pour the soup through it. This way, the vegetables and meat will remain in the strainer, and the soup will be clear and flavorful.

6. Preparing the pasta
It is recommended to cook the pasta separately, as this helps maintain the clarity of the soup. You can use alphabet pasta, which is loved by children, or any other type of pasta you prefer. Add the pasta to the soup just before serving, so it is warm and freshly cooked.

7. Serving
When you are ready to serve the soup, add a few fresh parsley leaves on top and sprinkle a little freshly ground pepper for added flavor. Alphabet chicken soup is also perfect as a base for other dishes, such as a delicious salad made from leftover chicken.

Useful tips:
- You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or cauliflower, to enrich the flavor of the soup.
- Instead of alphabet pasta, you can use homemade noodles or semolina dumplings to add a personal touch.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the flavor will become even more intense as it cools.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken soup is not only comforting but also nutritious. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. This soup is especially effective in the cold season, having anti-inflammatory properties and helping to strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How can I make the soup more flavorful?
Add herbs like thyme, bay leaf, or dill during cooking for extra flavor.

2. Can I use store-bought chicken?
Of course! You can use free-range chicken, but store-bought chicken is also a good choice. Just make sure it is fresh.

3. What can I do with leftover vegetables and meat?
Use the cooked vegetables to make a puree or a delicious salad. The leftover meat can be used in sandwiches or other dishes.

This alphabet chicken soup is not just a simple meal, but an experience that combines tradition with moments of joy alongside loved ones. So, embrace the art of cooking and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!