Chicken soup

Chicken soup is a classic, comforting dish that evokes memories of family Sunday dinners. With a rich aroma and a soothing taste, this chicken soup recipe combines tender meat, fresh vegetables, and a touch of cream that gives it a unique creaminess. Moreover, it is a simple dish, ideal for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a festive meal.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken meat (wings or thighs)
- 200 g cream
- 1 egg (yolk)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 celery root
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for added color)
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- Fresh parsley leaves
- 1-2 tablespoons of vegeta (or salt, to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Water

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the meat: In a large pot, bring the chicken meat (wings or thighs) to boil in enough water. Make sure the water is cold at first to allow for better extraction of flavors from the meat. Add a teaspoon of vegeta for a more intense flavor.

2. Preparing the vegetables: While the meat is boiling, prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, and cut the carrots and parsnip into small cubes, while the celery and bell pepper should be cut into appropriate pieces. These vegetables will not only add flavor to the soup but also contribute to its texture.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a separate pan, heat a little oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add the other vegetables. Sautéing the vegetables helps to intensify the flavors, so don’t skip this step. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Boiling the vegetables: Once the chicken is well cooked (about 30-40 minutes), remove the pieces of meat from the pot and let them cool slightly. Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the broth and let them boil together with the meat for 10-15 minutes.

5. Finishing the soup: When the vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk with the cream, gradually adding a few tablespoons of warm broth to temper the mixture (this prevents the egg from curdling). Add this mixture to the pot with the soup, stirring continuously. This step will give the soup a creamy texture and a rich taste.

6. Adding the herbs: Finally, add the finely chopped parsley leaves for an extra touch of freshness. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding pepper and salt to your preference.

7. Serving: Serve the chicken soup hot, with a slice of fresh bread on the side or, if you want to give it a touch of refinement, with toasted bread croutons.

Practical tips:
- Use chicken with bones for a richer taste. Bones contribute to a more savory broth.
- You can experiment with various vegetables depending on the season: add zucchini or potatoes to change the flavor profile.
- If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or use low-fat cream.
- Chicken soup often tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to its ingredients. One serving (approximately 250 ml) contains around 200-250 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients. It is a healthy choice, rich in nutrients, that can contribute to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use turkey meat or another type of meat? Yes, you can replace chicken with turkey or even beef for a different soup variation.
- How can I make the soup more sour? Adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or a few tablespoons of borscht at the end can give the soup a very pleasant sour note.
- What other recipes can I try with leftover soup? You can use the leftover soup as a base for a pasta soup or chicken rice, adding grains or additional vegetables.

Whether you serve it on chilly winter evenings or as a comforting lunch, chicken soup is a perfect choice to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron, play some pleasant music in the background, and start your cooking adventure! Bon appétit!