Chicken noodle soup

Chicken noodle soup - a classic, comforting recipe

Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of soup, full of flavors, that embraces your soul? Chicken noodle soup is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations in many cultures. It is a meal that not only warms you on chilly days but also offers numerous nutritional benefits due to its fresh and healthy ingredients. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicacy step by step, ensuring a perfect result!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 5 medium carrots
- 2 parsley roots
- 1 kohlrabi
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1 large onion
- 10 peppercorns
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 200 g noodles (preferably homemade or fresh)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of salt (or to taste)

Preparation:
1. Preparing the chicken: Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken, removing any leftover feathers or impurities. Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for even cooking. This step is essential for achieving a rich and flavorful soup.

2. Boiling the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large pot and add cold water, enough to cover the meat. Add a heaping tablespoon of salt. Bringing the water to a boil over high heat will help release the flavors from the meat.

3. Skimming the foam: Once the water starts boiling, you will notice foam forming on the surface. Use a skimmer or strainer to remove this foam. This will ensure that the soup is clear and pleasant to look at.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Clean the carrots, parsley roots, and kohlrabi. Cut them into large pieces for even cooking. Add these vegetables to the pot with the chicken along with the whole onion (to flavor the soup, but it will be removed at the end).

5. Flavoring the soup: Add the whole garlic cloves and peppercorns to the pot. These will add a subtle yet delicious flavor to your soup. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes. It is important not to boil too hard to achieve a clear and tasty soup.

6. Cooking the noodles: After the soup has boiled, you can add the noodles according to the package instructions. Generally, the noodles are boiled in separate water for 3-5 minutes, then drained and added directly to the soup. This method helps maintain the consistency of the noodles, preventing them from becoming too soft.

7. Finishing the soup: Once the noodles are ready, taste the soup and adjust the salt if necessary. You can also add some chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor.

8. Serving: Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley, and if desired, alongside slices of hot pepper for those who prefer a kick of spice. This soup can be accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or salty crackers, providing a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Useful tips:
- If you don’t have a chicken, you can use a hen, but the taste will be slightly different. Chicken provides a richer and deeper flavor.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini, for an extra boost of nutrients.
- If you want to make a lighter version, you can use skinless chicken.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for later consumption.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken noodle soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken contains quality protein, while the vegetables provide an important supply of vitamins A, C, and fiber. This soup is ideal for strengthening the immune system and is often recommended during cold or flu seasons due to its comforting effect.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
- Yes, frozen vegetables are a good option if you don’t have fresh ones on hand. Just make sure to add them at the end to avoid overcooking.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
- Add a few slices of hot pepper during boiling or sprinkle chili flakes in the bowl when serving.

3. Can I use noodles made from a different type of flour?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with whole wheat noodles or rice noodles for a gluten-free option.

4. How can I turn leftover meat and vegetables into a salad?
- Use the leftover chicken and boiled vegetables to prepare a beef salad. Add mayonnaise and spices for a delicious dish.

I hope you enjoy this chicken noodle soup recipe, and every bite brings you comfort and joy. Bon appétit!