Chicken soup is one of those traditional recipes that reminds us of the warm and welcoming meals of childhood. With a rich and comforting flavor, this soup is perfect for bringing a touch of warmth on cool days or for celebrating special moments with loved ones. Below, I will present a detailed recipe that will guide you step by step in preparing this delicious chicken soup.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10
Ingredients
- 1 chicken (wings, thighs, and back), well washed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1 celery root (about 200 g), grated
- 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 500 ml canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 liter of sauerkraut juice (or borscht)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage, chopped
- Salt, pepper, Delikat (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of oil for sautéing the vegetables
Preparation of Chicken Soup
Step 1: Preparing the soup base
Start by placing the cleaned chicken in a large pot with a capacity of at least 4 liters. Pour 3.5 liters of cold water over it and place the pot on low heat. It is essential to use cold water, as it helps extract flavors from the meat. Bring to a boil, and as it starts boiling, skim the soup using a skimmer or a spoon. This step is important for obtaining a clear and appetizing soup.
Step 2: Adding the vegetables
When there is no more foam, add the chopped onion, grated carrots, and grated celery. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to the soup. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they become slightly soft. This will intensify the flavor of the vegetables. Then add them to the pot with the chicken and stir gently.
Step 3: Slow cooking
Cover the pot with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar, and let it simmer on low heat for about 2 hours. This is when the flavors combine and the soup becomes rich. Check occasionally and ensure that the soup does not boil too hard.
Step 4: Adding the potatoes
After 2 hours, when the vegetables are almost cooked, add the diced potatoes. Cook the soup for another 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. They will add extra consistency and flavor.
Step 5: Finalizing the soup
When the potatoes are ready, add the canned chopped tomatoes. They will provide a pleasant acidity to the soup. Let it boil for another 5 minutes. Finally, season the soup with salt, pepper, and Delikat to taste. If you want a more sour flavor, add the sauerkraut juice or borscht, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Flavoring
Turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley and lovage. These fresh herbs will add a note of freshness to the soup.
Serving Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is served hot, alongside sour cream and hot peppers for those who prefer a touch of spice. A slice of homemade bread or a steaming polenta are perfect accompaniments to complete the meal.
Practical Tips
1. Quality ingredients: Use a good quality chicken, preferably free-range, for an authentic taste.
2. Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the flavor.
3. Freezing: The soup freezes well, so feel free to make a larger quantity and freeze it for days when you don’t have time to cook.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Consuming warm soup can help strengthen the immune system, especially in cold seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before adding it to the pot.
2. What can I use instead of sauerkraut juice?
Borscht is an excellent alternative. Additionally, apple cider vinegar can be used to add acidity.
3. How long does the soup last?
In the fridge, the soup lasts 3-4 days, and in the freezer, it can last up to 3 months.
Possible Variations
- Chicken soup with noodles: Add fresh noodles in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Chicken soup with green vegetables: Include peas or green beans for a crunchy texture.
- Chicken soup with mushrooms: Add fresh or canned mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
Thus, chicken soup is not just a simple recipe but also a story of flavors and tradition. Prepare it with love and the joy of sharing a warm and comforting meal with loved ones!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10
Ingredients
- 1 chicken (wings, thighs, and back), well washed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1 celery root (about 200 g), grated
- 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 500 ml canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 liter of sauerkraut juice (or borscht)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage, chopped
- Salt, pepper, Delikat (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of oil for sautéing the vegetables
Preparation of Chicken Soup
Step 1: Preparing the soup base
Start by placing the cleaned chicken in a large pot with a capacity of at least 4 liters. Pour 3.5 liters of cold water over it and place the pot on low heat. It is essential to use cold water, as it helps extract flavors from the meat. Bring to a boil, and as it starts boiling, skim the soup using a skimmer or a spoon. This step is important for obtaining a clear and appetizing soup.
Step 2: Adding the vegetables
When there is no more foam, add the chopped onion, grated carrots, and grated celery. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to the soup. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they become slightly soft. This will intensify the flavor of the vegetables. Then add them to the pot with the chicken and stir gently.
Step 3: Slow cooking
Cover the pot with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar, and let it simmer on low heat for about 2 hours. This is when the flavors combine and the soup becomes rich. Check occasionally and ensure that the soup does not boil too hard.
Step 4: Adding the potatoes
After 2 hours, when the vegetables are almost cooked, add the diced potatoes. Cook the soup for another 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. They will add extra consistency and flavor.
Step 5: Finalizing the soup
When the potatoes are ready, add the canned chopped tomatoes. They will provide a pleasant acidity to the soup. Let it boil for another 5 minutes. Finally, season the soup with salt, pepper, and Delikat to taste. If you want a more sour flavor, add the sauerkraut juice or borscht, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Flavoring
Turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley and lovage. These fresh herbs will add a note of freshness to the soup.
Serving Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is served hot, alongside sour cream and hot peppers for those who prefer a touch of spice. A slice of homemade bread or a steaming polenta are perfect accompaniments to complete the meal.
Practical Tips
1. Quality ingredients: Use a good quality chicken, preferably free-range, for an authentic taste.
2. Vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the flavor.
3. Freezing: The soup freezes well, so feel free to make a larger quantity and freeze it for days when you don’t have time to cook.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Consuming warm soup can help strengthen the immune system, especially in cold seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before adding it to the pot.
2. What can I use instead of sauerkraut juice?
Borscht is an excellent alternative. Additionally, apple cider vinegar can be used to add acidity.
3. How long does the soup last?
In the fridge, the soup lasts 3-4 days, and in the freezer, it can last up to 3 months.
Possible Variations
- Chicken soup with noodles: Add fresh noodles in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Chicken soup with green vegetables: Include peas or green beans for a crunchy texture.
- Chicken soup with mushrooms: Add fresh or canned mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
Thus, chicken soup is not just a simple recipe but also a story of flavors and tradition. Prepare it with love and the joy of sharing a warm and comforting meal with loved ones!