Cauliflower soup with chicken

Cauliflower soup with chicken - a healthy and comforting treat

Cauliflower soup with chicken is a traditional dish that combines health with delicious taste. Cauliflower, rich in nutrients, is the star of this recipe, perfectly blending with chicken breast and fresh vegetables. This recipe is not only a delicacy but also an excellent way to bring a main dish full of vitamins and minerals to the table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
- 1 large cauliflower (approximately 1 kg)
- 1 chicken breast
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tomatoes
- 200 ml sour cream
- 200 ml yogurt
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and ground pepper (to taste)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley

Step-by-step preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the cauliflower
Start by breaking the cauliflower into small florets, making sure to remove any dry or damaged leaves. Wash the cauliflower florets under a stream of cold water. Then, place them in a bowl with water and salt to clean them of impurities and soften them. This step is important as cauliflower can hide small insects in its florets.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
Peel the onion and carrots. Dice the onion and slice the carrots into thin rounds. Wash and also dice the red bell pepper. These vegetables will add both flavor and color to your soup.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and diced bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is for them to become slightly soft and release their flavors.

Step 4: Preparing the chicken breast
Meanwhile, wash the chicken breast and dry it with a paper towel. Cut it into equal-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Add the chicken breast to the pot with the vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until it turns white on all sides.

Step 5: Boiling the soup
Pour 3 liters of water over the vegetable and chicken mixture. Bring everything to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Adding the cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets to the pot and boil everything for 5-6 minutes. The cauliflower should remain slightly crunchy but cooked.

Step 7: Preparing the tomatoes
In the meantime, peel the tomatoes (an easy method is to dip them in hot water for a few seconds, then in cold water to loosen the skin). Dice them and add them to the pot with the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for another 4-5 minutes.

Step 8: Cream of yogurt and sour cream
In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the yogurt and add a ladle of hot soup to temper the mixture. This step prevents the sour cream from curdling. Then, pour the yogurt and sour cream mixture into the pot, stirring gently. Add the lemon juice for a fresh and tangy flavor.

Step 9: Finishing the soup
Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool slightly. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add extra flavor and color.

Serving:
Cauliflower soup with chicken is served warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. You can add a few extra drops of lemon for a more vibrant taste, or even a bit of hot pepper for those who prefer a spicy flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken breast and contains plenty of vitamins from the vegetables, such as vitamin C from the bell pepper and tomatoes, as well as fiber from the cauliflower. It is an ideal choice for a healthy and nutritious meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Make sure to thaw it beforehand and drain it well before adding it to the soup.

2. How can I make the soup thicker?
You can add a few diced potatoes or a handful of rice at the beginning of cooking to achieve a denser consistency.

3. What other herbs or spices can I add?
You can experiment with herbs like dill or thyme, which go very well with vegetable-based soups.

Possible variations:
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken breast with tofu or add more vegetables like zucchini or peas. Additionally, for a more intense flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of soy sauce during preparation.

This cauliflower soup with chicken is more than just a meal - it is a true feast for the senses, offering comfort and nutrition in a dish that will surely be appreciated by the whole family. Don't hesitate to share this recipe with friends and show them how easy it is to prepare a delicious and healthy soup!