Chicken soup with semolina dumplings - A warm hug in every bowl
When it comes to culinary comfort, chicken soup with semolina dumplings is definitely an excellent choice. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for chilly days or when you need a dose of warmth and love. It’s a recipe that brings the family together, and in my case, my little girl loves it! Let’s explore the steps to achieve perfectly fluffy chicken soup dumplings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the soup:
- 1/2 chicken breast (approximately 250g)
- 1 chicken thigh (approximately 300g)
- 3 medium-sized carrots
- 2 stalks of celery
- 1 large onion
- 1 medium-sized potato
- Salt (to taste)
- Peppercorns (approximately 8-10)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the dumplings:
- 1 fresh egg (ideally from free-range chickens)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of durum wheat flour
- Salt (a pinch)
- 1 pinch of baking soda
- 2-3 tablespoons of semolina
Instructions:
Preparing the soup:
1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the vegetables. Slice the carrots, chop the celery and onion into large pieces. The potato can be diced to cook evenly.
2. Boiling the base: Fill a large pot with about 3.5-4 liters of water. Add the peeled vegetables and place the pot on medium heat. Wait for it to start boiling. When the water begins to boil, add the chicken meat (breast and thigh) and let it boil.
3. Skimming the foam: During boiling, skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle. This step is essential to achieve a clear and tasty soup.
4. Seasoning: After about 1 hour of boiling, add salt and peppercorns. Now you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Let the soup simmer on medium heat for another 30 minutes.
5. Straining the soup: When the meat is well cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Use a strainer to pour the soup into another pot, keeping the vegetables and meat to use later. Slice a few cooked carrots thinly and add them to the soup for extra texture.
Preparing the dumplings:
1. Beating the egg: In a bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt. Make sure the egg is well incorporated.
2. Adding the dry ingredients: Add the semolina, wheat flour, and baking soda. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. The consistency should be slightly thicker than pancake batter.
3. Boiling the dumplings: Put the chicken soup back on the heat. When it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low. Wet a teaspoon in the hot soup and use it to scoop portions of the dumpling mixture, allowing them to sink gently into the soup. Continue until you have finished all the mixture.
4. Cooking the dumplings: Splash the soup with a little cold water and let the dumplings simmer on low heat for 10-13 minutes, until they become fluffy and cooked.
5. Finishing: Once the dumplings are ready, add the chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.
Serving:
Serve the chicken soup hot, with a few slices of carrot and, if desired, sprinkle a bit of freshly ground pepper on top. You can complement the meal with a slice of fresh bread or croutons for added crunch.
A brief history of the recipe:
Chicken soup with semolina dumplings is a traditional dish, often associated with family memories and moments of comfort. It is a meal that has crossed generations, often prepared on chilly days or when someone is feeling under the weather. Its comforting flavors and the fluffy texture of the dumplings make it irresistible.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, while the semolina dumplings add extra carbohydrates and fiber. This recipe is rich in essential nutrients, helping to boost the immune system and maintain energy throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it is recommended to thaw it before adding it to the soup to ensure even cooking.
2. How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The dumplings may become denser after refrigeration, so it’s best to add them fresh to the soup when reheating.
3. What other vegetables can I add? You can experiment with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas, depending on your preferences.
Variations:
- Cheese dumplings: Add cottage cheese to the dumpling mixture for a more savory version.
- Spicy soup: If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add chili peppers or spices like smoked paprika.
Chicken soup with semolina dumplings is not just a recipe, but an experience filled with warmth and memories. So, prepare your ingredients, gather your family around the table, and enjoy every spoonful of this comforting delicacy!
When it comes to culinary comfort, chicken soup with semolina dumplings is definitely an excellent choice. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for chilly days or when you need a dose of warmth and love. It’s a recipe that brings the family together, and in my case, my little girl loves it! Let’s explore the steps to achieve perfectly fluffy chicken soup dumplings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the soup:
- 1/2 chicken breast (approximately 250g)
- 1 chicken thigh (approximately 300g)
- 3 medium-sized carrots
- 2 stalks of celery
- 1 large onion
- 1 medium-sized potato
- Salt (to taste)
- Peppercorns (approximately 8-10)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the dumplings:
- 1 fresh egg (ideally from free-range chickens)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of durum wheat flour
- Salt (a pinch)
- 1 pinch of baking soda
- 2-3 tablespoons of semolina
Instructions:
Preparing the soup:
1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the vegetables. Slice the carrots, chop the celery and onion into large pieces. The potato can be diced to cook evenly.
2. Boiling the base: Fill a large pot with about 3.5-4 liters of water. Add the peeled vegetables and place the pot on medium heat. Wait for it to start boiling. When the water begins to boil, add the chicken meat (breast and thigh) and let it boil.
3. Skimming the foam: During boiling, skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle. This step is essential to achieve a clear and tasty soup.
4. Seasoning: After about 1 hour of boiling, add salt and peppercorns. Now you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Let the soup simmer on medium heat for another 30 minutes.
5. Straining the soup: When the meat is well cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Use a strainer to pour the soup into another pot, keeping the vegetables and meat to use later. Slice a few cooked carrots thinly and add them to the soup for extra texture.
Preparing the dumplings:
1. Beating the egg: In a bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt. Make sure the egg is well incorporated.
2. Adding the dry ingredients: Add the semolina, wheat flour, and baking soda. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. The consistency should be slightly thicker than pancake batter.
3. Boiling the dumplings: Put the chicken soup back on the heat. When it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low. Wet a teaspoon in the hot soup and use it to scoop portions of the dumpling mixture, allowing them to sink gently into the soup. Continue until you have finished all the mixture.
4. Cooking the dumplings: Splash the soup with a little cold water and let the dumplings simmer on low heat for 10-13 minutes, until they become fluffy and cooked.
5. Finishing: Once the dumplings are ready, add the chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.
Serving:
Serve the chicken soup hot, with a few slices of carrot and, if desired, sprinkle a bit of freshly ground pepper on top. You can complement the meal with a slice of fresh bread or croutons for added crunch.
A brief history of the recipe:
Chicken soup with semolina dumplings is a traditional dish, often associated with family memories and moments of comfort. It is a meal that has crossed generations, often prepared on chilly days or when someone is feeling under the weather. Its comforting flavors and the fluffy texture of the dumplings make it irresistible.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, while the semolina dumplings add extra carbohydrates and fiber. This recipe is rich in essential nutrients, helping to boost the immune system and maintain energy throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it is recommended to thaw it before adding it to the soup to ensure even cooking.
2. How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The dumplings may become denser after refrigeration, so it’s best to add them fresh to the soup when reheating.
3. What other vegetables can I add? You can experiment with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas, depending on your preferences.
Variations:
- Cheese dumplings: Add cottage cheese to the dumpling mixture for a more savory version.
- Spicy soup: If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add chili peppers or spices like smoked paprika.
Chicken soup with semolina dumplings is not just a recipe, but an experience filled with warmth and memories. So, prepare your ingredients, gather your family around the table, and enjoy every spoonful of this comforting delicacy!