chicken soup with dumplings

Chicken soup with dumplings: Comfort food at its best

When it comes to dishes that remind us of childhood, chicken soup with dumplings is definitely at the top of the list. It is a classic recipe, full of flavors and love, that warms our hearts and brings smiles to our faces. Whether you're making it to indulge yourself or to care for your loved ones, this soup is an excellent choice.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients for chicken soup

- 400 g chicken meat (preferably breast or thigh, for a richer soup)
- 4 carrots
- 1 celery (about 150 g)
- 2 bell peppers (any color you prefer)
- 4 onions
- Salt and Delikat seasoning (to taste)
- Water

Ingredients for dumplings

- 3 eggs
- 200 g semolina
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt (to taste)

Preparing the soup

1. Wash and prepare the chicken: Start by washing the chicken meat well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities and achieve a clear and clean soup.

2. Boil the chicken: Place the chicken in a large pot and add cold water until it is completely covered. Put the pot on medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point. When the water starts to boil, you will notice foam forming on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove it, ensuring the soup remains clear.

3. Add the vegetables: After removing the foam, add the coarsely chopped vegetables: carrots, celery, bell peppers, and onions. These will give the soup a wonderful taste and delicious aroma. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes.

4. Remove the chicken and vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the pot and place it on a plate. Also, remove the vegetables, set them aside, and strain the broth to remove any remaining impurities.

5. Return the chicken to the soup: Tear the chicken meat into smaller pieces and put it back into the soup. Add the sliced carrots and season with salt and Delikat to taste. Let it simmer on low heat for another 10-15 minutes.

Preparing the dumplings

1. Beat the eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and the two tablespoons of oil. This will help achieve a fluffy texture for the dumplings.

2. Add the semolina: Gradually add the semolina to the egg mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The mixture should have a consistency similar to that of a cake batter.

3. Boil the dumplings: In another pot, bring water to a boil. When it starts boiling, use a spoon to form small dumplings from the semolina mixture and drop them directly into the water. Each dumpling will take about 5-7 minutes to cook. When they become fluffy and rise to the surface, they are ready.

4. Add the dumplings to the soup: Once the dumplings are cooked, remove them with a skimmer and add them to the chicken soup. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes for the flavors to combine and intensify.

Serving the soup

Chicken soup with dumplings is served hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness. You can accompany it with a slice of fresh bread, which will perfectly complement this comforting dish.

Useful tips and variations

- For a more intense flavor, you can add herbs such as thyme or bay leaves during boiling.
- Vary the vegetables: You can add zucchini, potatoes, or peas to diversify the soup's taste.
- More flavorful dumplings: Add a little crushed garlic or dried herbs to the dumpling mixture for an extra touch of flavor.

Nutritional benefits

This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the vegetables provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals. The semolina dumplings offer carbohydrates that will give you energy throughout the day. Additionally, chicken soup is known for its properties to soothe colds and strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it before cooking to achieve a uniform soup.
- How can I make the dumplings fluffier? Make sure not to overmix the semolina mixture, as this can lead to denser dumplings.
- Can I prepare the soup in advance? Absolutely! The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be frozen for later consumption.

Chicken soup with dumplings is more than just a recipe; it's a family story, a warm embrace in a bowl, and an invitation to enjoy the simple moments of life. So, put on your comfy clothes, put a pot of soup on the stove, and let your heart fill with joy!