Chicken soup with vegetables and dumplings

Chicken soup with vegetables and dumplings - a comforting and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Chicken soup with vegetables and dumplings is a traditional dish, full of nostalgia and warmth. It is the kind of meal that reminds us of chilly winter days or family gatherings, where its inviting aroma fills the entire house. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect dish for both children and adults.

Ingredients needed:

For the soup:
- 5-6 chicken thighs (or any preferred chicken part)
- 4 carrots
- 2-3 onions
- 1/2 root celery
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- Vegeta (or salt, to taste)
- Water (about 2 liters)

For the dumplings:
- 1 egg
- 7 tablespoons of semolina
- A pinch of salt
- A little pepper

Preparing the soup:

1. Boiling the meat: In a large pot, place the chicken thighs to boil in 2 liters of water. Make sure the water is cold at first to better extract the flavors from the meat. Bring the water to a boil.

2. Skimming: Once the water starts to boil, foam will appear on the surface. Use a spatula or skimmer to remove this foam. This is an essential step as it helps achieve a clear and delicious soup.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, wash and peel the vegetables. Cut the carrots into small cubes (one can be cut lengthwise for a more attractive look). The onion should be cut into quarters or small cubes, celery, parsnip, and parsley root should be finely chopped. Adding fresh vegetables will not only give a special flavor to the soup but also provide a dose of vitamins and minerals.

4. Adding the vegetables: Once you have removed the foam, add all the chopped vegetables to the pot. They will add a delicious aroma and pleasant texture to the soup. Let them boil together with the chicken for about 30-40 minutes, until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked.

5. Seasoning: Add Vegeta or salt to taste. It is important to taste the soup along the way to adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.

Preparing the dumplings:

1. Beating the egg: In a bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt and a little pepper until homogeneous.

2. Adding the semolina: Start adding one tablespoon of semolina at a time, stirring constantly with a fork or wooden spoon to avoid lumps. Mix until the composition becomes homogeneous. The dumplings should not be too liquid, but not too firm either - the ideal consistency is slightly soft.

3. Forming the dumplings: When the soup is almost ready, reduce the heat so it does not boil vigorously. Using a spoon, take some of the dumpling mixture and carefully place them in the soup. It is important that the soup does not boil vigorously at this moment, otherwise the dumplings will not hold together.

4. Boiling the dumplings: Let the dumplings boil in the soup for about 10-15 minutes. They will grow in size and become fluffy, and their aroma will blend perfectly with that of the soup.

5. Finishing: Once the dumplings are cooked, you can turn off the heat and add a little chopped green parsley on top for extra aroma and a fresh appearance.

Serving:

I recommend serving the chicken soup with vegetables and dumplings hot, perhaps alongside a slice of fresh bread or a green salad. This soup is perfect at any time of the year, but especially on cold winter evenings.

Possible variations:

If you want to add a touch of innovation, you can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or you can even replace the dumplings with homemade noodles for a quick version. You can also experiment with spices, adding a little cumin or sweet paprika for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

This soup is rich in protein due to the chicken and full of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The semolina dumplings are a good source of carbohydrates, providing the energy needed for an active day. It is a dish that contributes to the health of the immune system and maintaining a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey meat is an excellent alternative and will provide a different flavor.

2. How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It is recommended to keep the dumplings separate, as they can become soft if stored in the soup.

3. Can I freeze the soup?
It is recommended to freeze the soup without dumplings. The dumplings can become unpleasant in texture after thawing.

4. What drinks pair well with this soup?
A freshly squeezed lemonade or herbal tea would be excellent accompaniments, providing a pleasant contrast to the soup's flavors.

5. What is the secret to fluffy dumplings?
Make sure the soup does not boil vigorously when adding the dumplings and that you have the right ratio between egg and semolina.

I hope this chicken soup with vegetables and dumplings recipe brings you not only a delicious result but also unforgettable moments in the kitchen. Enjoy every bite and savor the warmth that this traditional dish offers!