Chicken soup with tomatoes

Chicken soup with tomatoes - a recipe that brings together tradition and the joy of cooking! This soup is a true indulgence, perfect for chilly days or moments when you need a comforting meal. Inspired by meatball soup but with a personal touch, I chose to use chicken, resulting in a flavorful soup, packed with vitamins and taste. In the following, I will explain step by step how to prepare this delicacy, providing you with useful information about ingredients, cooking techniques, and variations.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 6 chicken wings
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 large onion
- 6 large tomatoes (or a can of tomatoes in their own juice)
- 500 ml borscht (or to taste)
- 100 g pasta (preferably short pasta, such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- Salt (or chicken-flavored Delikat) to taste
- Cold water

History of the soup
Chicken soup has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a dish appreciated for its nutritional value and comforting taste. Whether served on a gloomy day or at a family meal, this soup has always brought joy and warmth to the hearts of those who savor it. The addition of tomatoes and lovage gives it a fresh and vibrant taste, turning each spoonful into an explosion of flavors.

Steps for preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the chicken wings. Remove their tips and wash them well under cold running water. This step is essential for obtaining a clear and tasty broth. While the chicken drains, you can prepare the vegetables.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Finely chop the onion and slice the carrots into rounds. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to the soup. If you want, you can use a grater for the carrots to achieve a finer texture.

3. Boiling the meat: Place the chicken wings in a large pot with cold water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 15 minutes. This step will help release the flavors from the meat.

4. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat starts to boil, add the onion and carrots to the pot. Let it simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is cooked.

5. Tomatoes and borscht: Peel the tomatoes (you can easily do this by dipping them in boiling water for a few seconds) and cut them into cubes. Add them to the pot along with the borscht and tomato paste. These ingredients will provide the soup with a pleasant acidity and rich flavor.

6. Final boiling: Boil the soup for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, you can add salt or Delikat to taste. It is important to taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your preferences.

7. The pasta: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the pasta. Make sure they are cooked al dente, as they will continue to absorb the soup's liquid and become softer.

8. Finishing: Once the pasta is ready, remove the pot from the heat and add the finely chopped lovage. This will give the soup a fresh and irresistible aroma. Cover the pot and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and suggestions
Chicken soup with tomatoes is delicious served hot, alongside a slice of fresh, lightly toasted bread. You can add a spoonful of sour cream on top for an extra creaminess. An interesting variation would be to serve the soup with chili for those who prefer a spicy taste.

Variations
If you want to experiment, you can replace the pasta with rice or add other vegetables such as celery or zucchini. You can also use turkey instead of chicken for a lighter version. The soup can be adapted for vegans by replacing the meat with chickpeas or lentils and using water or vegetable broth.

Nutritional benefits
This soup is not only tasty but also healthy! Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and lovage improves digestion.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be reduced.
2. How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. It can be frozen for later consumption, but it's recommended to add fresh pasta at the time of serving.
3. What other spices can I add? You can experiment with spices like pepper, paprika, or even curry to add an exotic note to your soup.

I wish you much success in cooking! Chicken soup with tomatoes will surely become a staple in your menu! Enjoy every spoonful and cherish the moments spent with your loved ones, enveloped in the unmistakable aroma of this comforting soup.