Chicken noodle soup

Chicken noodle soup, a dish that reminds us of the moments spent in childhood with our grandmother, is a comforting meal, full of flavor and aroma. In this recipe, we will explore step by step how to achieve a delicious soup, rich in nutrients and full of goodness, perfect for chilly days or when we need a touch of comfort.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken (ideally free-range for an authentic taste)
- 4-5 carrots
- 2-3 parsley roots
- 1 large onion
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for an extra splash of color)
- 1 small celery
- A bunch of parsley leaves
- A tablespoon of black peppercorns
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground pepper (to taste)
- Noodles (about 200 g)

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the chicken and cutting it into pieces. It is important to take a moment to wash it well, possibly changing the water twice. This step will help remove impurities and contribute to a cleaner soup.

Peel the carrots, parsley, celery, and onion, then wash them well under running water. The bell pepper can be washed whole, without cutting it. Wash the parsley leaves and tie the stems with a string, so you can easily remove them later.

Step 2: Boiling the soup base
In a large pot, add four liters of water. Place the chicken and all the cleaned vegetables (carrots, parsley, onion, whole bell pepper, and celery) in the pot. Add a tablespoon of black peppercorns and a tablespoon of salt. Simmer on low heat, uncovered, for about 60 minutes. It is important not to cover the pot, as evaporation will help concentrate the flavors.

Helpful tips:
- Check the soup from time to time, skimming off the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear liquid.
- If you have patience, let the soup simmer longer than 60 minutes to intensify the flavors, but don’t overdo it, or the chicken may fall apart too much.

Step 3: Strain the soup
After the cooking time has expired, take a strainer and separate the liquid from the vegetables and meat. You can keep the chicken meat to add back into the soup later or use it in other dishes.

Step 4: Cooking the noodles
In another pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are al dente. Once ready, drain them and add them to the strained soup along with the sliced carrots.

Step 5: Finishing the soup
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped parsley leaves on top for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Serving suggestions:
Chicken noodle soup is perfect served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or seasoned croutons. You can pair it with a glass of fresh lemon juice, which will bring a pleasant contrast of acidity.

Possible variations:
- Instead of noodles, you can use rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Add spices like turmeric or ginger for an exotic note and additional health benefits.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or peas, to add variety.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken noodle soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to its fresh ingredients. It can help strengthen the immune system and hydrate the body. Additionally, it is a hearty dish, ideal for a light meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure it is completely thawed before cooking.
- How can I store the soup? You can keep the soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it in portions to enjoy later.
- Is the soup good for kids? Yes, it is a healthy and easily digestible dish for children.

This chicken noodle soup is not just a delicious dish but also a wonderful way to evoke warm and loving memories from childhood, cooked with patience and love, just like in the old days. I invite you to try it and share the joy of this dish with your loved ones!