Chicken soup with noodles

Chicken soup with dumplings – a journey of flavors and traditions

When it comes to comfort food, chicken soup with dumplings is a true symbol of culinary tradition. This recipe, born from the desire to bring warmth and joy to every home, is a dish that evokes pleasant memories and moments spent with loved ones. From the simple ingredients to the cooking process, each step contributes to creating a delicious soup that will surely be appreciated by all who savor it.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients:

For the soup:
- 1 chicken back (preferably free-range)
- 1 chicken neck
- 1 chicken carcass
- 4 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 small celery
- 2 potatoes
- 1 small bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 peppercorns
- 4 garlic cloves
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the dumplings:
- 2 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Flour, as needed

Step by step: Preparing chicken soup with dumplings

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the chicken well, ensuring you remove any impurities. Clean the vegetables: carrots, parsley, celery, potatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Cut them into large pieces, as they will be boiled and later removed from the soup.

2. Cooking the soup:
Place the meat and vegetables in a large pot, add cold water to fill the pot, and salt to taste. Add the bay leaf, peppercorns, and crushed garlic. If using a pressure cooker, cover it and let it boil for one hour. This will help extract the flavors from the meat, leaving the soup clear and delicious.

3. Preparing the dumplings:
While the soup is boiling, prepare the dumplings. In a bowl, beat the two eggs with a little salt, then start adding flour gradually, mixing until you obtain an elastic dough. It should be firmer than pancake batter, so it can be grated. Use a large grater to get the characteristic shapes of the dumplings. Roll out the dough on a sheet of paper or a clean cloth to dry. A clever idea is to place them in a preheated oven at 70 degrees Celsius to speed up the process, being careful not to burn them.

4. Finalizing the soup:
After an hour of boiling, check the meat; it should be tender. Remove the meat and vegetables from the soup. Separately, boil the dumplings in salted water for 5-7 minutes until they become fluffy. Drain them and add them to the hot soup.

5. The crispy touch:
If you want to add a touch of flavor, in some traditional regions, the meat from the soup is fried in hot oil until crispy. Add the boiled vegetables from the soup, lightly frying them to enhance their flavor. Serve these delicious dishes hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Suggestions and variations:
- You can experiment with different types of vegetables or add spices such as turmeric or sweet paprika for a different flavor.
- If you want a lower-calorie version, you can reduce the amount of meat and replace it with more vegetables.
- This soup can also be served with a squeeze of lemon juice for a delicious contrast of acidity.

Nutritional information:
Chicken soup with dumplings is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a comforting and nourishing meal, ideal for cool days. A serving contains approximately 300 calories, depending on the amount of meat and vegetables used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use store-bought chicken? Yes, but free-range chicken will add a deeper flavor to the soup.
- How can I store the dumplings? You can dry them completely and store them in an airtight container for a few weeks.
- What drinks pair well with this soup? A warm drink, such as herbal tea or a dry white wine, can perfectly complement the meal.

This chicken soup with dumplings is not just a delicious dish, but also a culinary experience that will bring a smile to your face. Whether you serve it on an ordinary day or for a special occasion, it will transport you to a world of authentic flavors and warm memories. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share this dish with your loved ones!