Chicken soup

Chicken soup with vegetables and noodles

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Chicken soup is more than just a simple recipe; it is a culinary tradition, a warm memory of family meals, and a symbol of comfort on cold days. This soup is full of flavors, fresh vegetables, and essential nutrients, making it not only delicious but also nourishing. Get ready to discover how to prepare a flavorful chicken soup that will turn any meal into a celebration!

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken (back, neck, wings, gizzards, liver, claws) – choosing a quality chicken is essential for a rich taste.
- 500 ml borscht – to add acidity and a distinct flavor.
- 2 carrots – choosing fresh carrots will bring natural sweetness.
- 2 onions – onion adds an extra layer of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons of homemade vegetable mix – a blend of vegetables that perfectly complements the soup.
- 4 potatoes – these provide consistency and substance.
- 1 tomato – for a touch of freshness.
- 1 zucchini – adds a pleasant texture and a delicate taste.
- Noodles – these will make the soup more filling.
- Fresh parsley – to garnish and add a vibrant flavor.
- 1 bunch of sorrel – an aromatic herb, good for health and with a slightly sour taste.
- Salt – to taste.

Nutritional information:
This chicken soup contains protein from the meat, fiber from the vegetables, and is an excellent source of vitamins. Each serving provides a healthy balance of nutrients, making it ideal for a nutritious meal.

Preparation:

1. Wash the meat well: Start by washing the chicken thoroughly under cold running water. This step is important to remove any impurities and ensure a clear soup.

2. Boil the meat: Place the chicken in a large pot with cold water (about 3 liters) and bring it to a boil. After it reaches a boil, use a skimmer to remove all the foam that forms on the surface. This helps achieve a clear and aromatic soup.

3. Add the vegetables: After removing the foam, let the chicken simmer on medium heat for about 1 hour. Then, add the finely chopped onion and carrot. These vegetables will add flavor and sweetness to your soup.

4. Add the other ingredients: After 10 minutes, add the diced tomato, potatoes, and zucchini. These vegetables will contribute to a rich taste and pleasant texture. Add the 2 tablespoons of homemade vegetable mix for an extra flavor boost.

5. Borscht and noodles: After the vegetables have started to soften, add the borscht. This will give the soup its characteristic sour taste. After 5 minutes, add the noodles and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.

6. Finalizing the soup: In the last minutes of cooking, add the sorrel and salt to taste. Sorrel will add a fresh note and vibrant color to your soup.

7. Serving: Once the soup is ready, turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. This will add a special touch and fresh aroma.

Serving suggestions: This chicken soup is delicious served with a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can also add a splash of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different vegetables, such as bell peppers or celery, depending on your preferences. You can also replace the noodles with rice or homemade dumplings for a different texture.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of hen? Yes, you can use chicken, but the taste will be different. Hen has a more intense flavor.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a little chili pepper or freshly ground pepper to enhance the flavor.

Useful tips:
- Always taste the soup before adding salt to avoid it becoming too salty.
- If you want a heartier soup, you can add more vegetables or more noodles.

Nutritional benefits: Chicken soup is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it ideal for supporting the immune system. It is also easily digestible, making it an excellent choice during recovery periods.

This chicken soup is not just a meal, but a memorable experience that brings people together. I encourage you to prepare it and share this special moment with your loved ones!