Chicken Soup with Dumplings

Chicken Soup with Dumplings – A Culinary Embrace

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love a warm and comforting chicken soup with dumplings? This chicken soup recipe is more than just a dish; it's a warm memory that will bring a smile to your face. It's the soup your mom used to make, a recipe that has grown with us and brought us together around the table. So, let's be carried away by its aroma and discover the steps to make it.

Ingredients needed:

For the soup:
- 2 whole chicken thighs (or free-range chicken for a more authentic taste)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and left whole
- 2 sticks of celery (optional, but recommended for its flavor)
- 1 large onion (or 2 smaller ones)
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- A pinch of salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper (optional)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped

For the dumplings:
- 2 fresh eggs
- 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil (or olive oil, if you prefer)
- 8 tablespoons of semolina
- A pinch of salt

Helpful tip: Use free-range chicken if you have the chance. The taste will be much richer, and your soup will become a true delicacy.

Preparing the soup:

1. Boiling the chicken: Start by placing the chicken thighs in a large pot, adding cold water to completely cover the meat, and adding a pinch of salt. Turn on the heat and let the chicken simmer over medium heat. You will notice a foam forming on the surface; remember to remove it with a skimmer to achieve a clear and tasty soup.

2. Adding vegetables: Once you no longer see foam, add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is well cooked.

3. Straining the soup: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the meat and vegetables from the pot and place them in a bowl. Strain the soup through a cheesecloth to remove any impurities and return the broth to the pot.

4. Adding seasonings: To the soup, add the chicken bouillon cube, the sliced carrot, and half of the finely chopped onion (or all if you prefer). You can also add the celery sticks if you haven't removed them earlier.

Preparing the dumplings:

5. Dumpling mixture: In a bowl, beat the eggs well with the oil until homogeneous. Gradually add the semolina, stirring vigorously to avoid lumps. The consistency should be similar to that of a softer polenta.

6. Forming the dumplings: Using a spoon, shape the dumplings and carefully place them in the soup. The dumplings will puff up and float to the surface, a sign that they are ready!

7. Finishing the soup: After the dumplings have cooked (about 10 minutes), chop the parsley finely and add it to the soup, stirring gently. Turn off the heat and add pepper to taste.

Serving:

Chicken soup with dumplings is served hot, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon for a touch of freshness. You can add the cooked chicken to the plate for a nice presentation and extra protein. This soup is perfect for a comforting dinner on cool evenings or when you're feeling under the weather.

Serving suggestion: You can accompany the soup with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons for a pleasant contrast of textures.

Possible variations:

- Cheese dumplings: A delicious variant would be to replace some of the semolina with cottage cheese to make richer and creamier dumplings.
- Vegetable additions: You can experiment by adding other vegetables, such as zucchini or peas, to diversify the soup's flavor.
- Spices: Instead of the chicken bouillon cube, you can use fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a distinct aroma.

Nutritional information:

This chicken soup with dumplings offers a balanced meal, being rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is an excellent source of hydration and, due to its simple ingredients, is easy to digest. A serving of soup (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of chicken and vegetables used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it before boiling to achieve a uniform soup.

2. How can I store the soup for later consumption?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for later use. Make sure to separate the dumplings from the soup before freezing, as they may become soft upon thawing.

Chicken soup with dumplings is a recipe that not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the soul. Make it with love, remember the beautiful moments spent with loved ones, and enjoy every spoonful! Enjoy your meal!