Chicken soup with dumplings

Chicken soup with dumplings – comfort in every spoonful

Who doesn't nostalgically remember the aroma of chicken soups cooked with love? This chicken soup with dumplings recipe is not just a delicious dish, but also a symbol of comfort and family warmth. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly day or as a remedy for a cold, this soup combines simple and natural ingredients to create a dish that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

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

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 2 carrots
- 1 celery root
- 1 parsley root
- 1 onion (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 150 g semolina
- 2 eggs
- A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped

Preparing Chicken Soup with Dumplings:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning and washing the chicken well. Remove any leftover feathers and cuts. Place it in a large pot, add enough water to cover it completely, and let it simmer over medium heat. This will form the base of your soup, so make sure the chicken is of good quality.

2. Preparing the vegetables: In the meantime, clean the carrots, celery root, and parsley root. Cut them into sticks or cubes so they cook evenly. If you decide to add onion, peel it and cut it in half – this will add extra flavor to the soup.

3. Boiling the vegetables: Once the chicken has started to boil, add the prepared vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes. You will notice how the flavors combine and the soup becomes richer.

4. Preparing the dumplings: In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the semolina, whisking vigorously with a whisk to avoid lumps. The mixture should be thick enough – this will ensure a fluffy texture for the dumplings.

5. Forming the dumplings: When the vegetables are cooked, use a spoon to take portions of the semolina and egg mixture and drop them into the soup. Alternatively, you can boil the dumplings separately in a pot of salted water for 5 minutes, then transfer them to the soup.

6. Finalizing the soup: Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, during which the dumplings will rise and absorb the flavors of the soup. Finally, add the chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Cover with a lid and turn off the heat, letting the soup rest for a few minutes.

7. Serving: Serve the soup hot, with a slice of fresh bread on the side. You can add a few drops of lemon juice or some sprigs of fresh dill for extra flavor.

Useful tips:
- Quality of the chicken: Choose a free-range or organic chicken to achieve a rich and healthy soup.
- Fluffy dumplings: If you want denser dumplings, add a little more semolina. If you prefer a lighter texture, reduce the amount.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding vegetables like potatoes or zucchini for a different taste. Also, a few peppercorns or a few bay leaves can add extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, with low calorie content, ideal for a balanced diet. The semolina dumplings provide carbohydrates, essential for energy, and the vegetables contribute to fiber intake.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before putting it in the pot.

2. How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 days. The dumplings may become a bit denser, so it is recommended to prepare them fresh before serving.

3. Can the soup be frozen?
It is better to freeze the soup without dumplings, as they can become soft upon thawing. You can freeze the soup and add fresh dumplings at the time of serving.

Chicken soup with dumplings is more than just a dish; it is a recipe that brings family and friends together, evoking pleasant memories and unforgettable moments. Enjoy every spoonful and let the taste of nostalgia carry you away! Bon appétit!