Chicken Soup with Semolina Dumplings

Chicken soup with semolina dumplings - A warm hug in a bowl

Who doesn't love a steaming bowl of chicken soup, with fluffy semolina dumplings that melt in your mouth? This chicken soup recipe with semolina dumplings is not only comforting but also full of flavor and nutrients. Plus, it's an easy dish to prepare, perfect for chilly days or when you want to treat yourself. Whether you're making it for a family meal or to surprise your friends, this soup is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.

Preparation time
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 1 chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 large onion
- 1 bell pepper (can also be red for extra color)
- 1 medium potato
- 1 celery (approximately 150 g)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the dumplings:
- 3 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 tablespoons of semolina

Preparing the soup

1. Preparing the chicken: Wash the chicken well under cold water and optionally remove the skin (if you prefer a leaner soup). Place the chicken in a 5-liter pot and cover with cold water up to halfway.

2. Boiling the chicken: Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. During boiling, foam will form on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove the accumulated foam. This step is important for achieving a clear and tasty soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: Peel and wash the vegetables. Cut the carrots into rounds, the celery and potato into cubes, and you can leave the onion whole to give flavor, as well as the parsnip and bell pepper (cut in half). Add all these vegetables to the pot, along with the peeled garlic cloves. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, until the vegetables are almost cooked.

4. Removing the vegetables: After the vegetables have boiled, remove the onion, parsnip, and bell pepper from the soup. They have contributed to the flavor, and now you can let the other vegetables continue to boil.

Preparing the dumplings

1. Separating the eggs: In a bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy.

2. Preparing the mixture: In another bowl, beat the yolks with salt and pepper to taste. Gradually add the semolina, mixing gently, then fold in the beaten egg whites, stirring from the bottom up to keep the mixture airy.

3. Forming the dumplings: Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes. Using a spoon or fork, take small portions of the mixture and add them to the soup.

4. Boiling the dumplings: Add a little cold water (about a cup) and cover the pot with a lid. Let simmer on low heat, occasionally adding a cup of cold water to maintain a constant temperature. The dumplings are ready when they become fluffy and soft, about 10-15 minutes.

Finishing the soup

1. Adding the greens: Once the dumplings are cooked, turn off the heat and add the chopped fresh parsley on top. This will add not only flavor but also a splash of color.

2. Serving: The soup can be served immediately, alongside toasted bread croutons for added texture. You can also add rice noodles for a personal touch.

Useful tips

- Chicken: You can use a whole chicken or just pieces (e.g., thighs or breast). If you prefer a richer soup, keep the skin.
- Vegetables: Add seasonal vegetables to vary the flavor. For example, zucchini or green beans can be excellent additions.
- Dumplings: If you want more flavorful dumplings, you can add herbs to the semolina mixture, such as dill or chives.
- Noodles: If you choose to add noodles, put them in the soup a few minutes before turning off the heat, so they soften.

Nutritional benefits

This chicken soup with semolina dumplings is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables provide an important supply of vitamins and minerals. Semolina, although a source of carbohydrates, is easy to digest, making this soup a good choice, especially in cold seasons.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking to achieve an even soup.

- How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze the soup, but it is recommended not to add dumplings before freezing, as they may become soft upon thawing.

- Can I adapt the recipe for vegans? Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or protein-rich vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of water.

Conclusion

Chicken soup with semolina dumplings is more than just a meal – it is a tradition, a memory, and a warm hug on cold days. With every spoonful, you will feel the comfort and love that underpins this recipe. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for loved ones, this soup will surely bring joy to every bowl. So, put on your favorite apron, and let's get cooking!