Chicken soup

Chicken soup with vegetables - A traditional recipe full of flavor and comfort

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Chicken soup is a classic dish that brings warm memories and moments of conviviality. It is an easy recipe to make, full of nutrients and taste, perfect for any season. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly winter day or a cool autumn evening, chicken soup with vegetables will bring warmth and comfort to your soul.

The history of this soup goes back in time, being part of the culinary traditions of many communities. It is a dish that has evolved over the years, with each housewife having her own variations and secret tricks. Today, I will present a simple yet delicious recipe that you can easily adapt to your tastes.

Ingredients:

- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 large onion
- 1 parsnip
- 100 g root celery
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 egg (for tempering)
- 1 bunch of dill
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil
- 1 cup of borscht (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken drumsticks well. Make sure to remove any impurities or excess fat. Then, peel and chop the vegetables. The onion is finely chopped, while the carrot, parsnip, celery, and bell pepper are diced into small cubes. The potatoes are peeled and cut into cubes.

2. Boiling the meat: In a large pot, add the chicken drumsticks and fill with water up to the shoulder of the pot. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. Once the water starts boiling, it will form foam. Remove the foam with a skimmer to obtain a clear and appetizing soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: After the drumsticks are almost cooked (about 30 minutes), add the onion, carrot, parsnip, celery, and bell pepper. Let them boil together with the meat for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables become tender.

4. The potatoes and spices: Add the diced potatoes, tomato paste, and depending on your preferences, you can add salt and pepper. Let everything boil for another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are well cooked.

5. Tempering the soup: When all the ingredients are cooked, it's time to temper the soup. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with a fork and gradually add a few tablespoons of the soup, stirring constantly to avoid coagulation. This is a tempering technique that will give the soup a velvety texture. Pour the egg mixture into the pot, stirring continuously.

6. Adding the borscht and herbs: Finally, add the borscht to taste and let the soup boil for another 5 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and add the freshly chopped dill and parsley for an extra flavor boost.

7. Serving: Chicken soup is served hot, with fresh bread or polenta on the side. You can garnish it with a few parsley leaves for an attractive appearance.

Practical tips:

- Vegetable varieties: You can experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini or peas, to add a personal touch.
- Sour soup: If you prefer a sourer soup, you can add more borscht or lemon juice, according to taste.
- Heartier soup: If you want a heartier soup, you can add rice or pasta, but make sure to add them about 10-15 minutes before turning off the heat so they are cooked to perfection.

Nutritional information (per serving):

- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey meat is a healthy and equally delicious alternative.
- How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for later consumption.
- What drinks pair well with chicken soup? Chicken soup pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Chicken soup with vegetables is more than just a simple recipe; it is an experience that brings family and friends together. So, put on your apron and enjoy every step of this culinary process! Enjoy your meal!