Chicken Tomato Soup

Tomato Chicken Soup - a warm embrace on chilly days

If there's a recipe that reminds us of the comfort of home, it's tomato chicken soup. This soup is not only nourishing but also full of flavors, based on simple yet flavorful ingredients. With a rich history, this soup enjoys popularity in many cultures, often associated with family meals where each ingredient tells a story.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients you need:

- 1.5 kg ripe tomatoes (choose well-ripened tomatoes for a sweet and rich taste)
- 750 g chicken meat (you can use thighs or breast, depending on your preference)
- 60-70 g noodles (make sure to choose quality noodles that absorb the soup's flavors)
- 2 medium onions (onion adds sweetness to the soup, so don't skip it)
- 50 g celery (a vegetable with a distinct taste that perfectly complements tomatoes)
- 1 parsnip (adds a subtle note of sweetness)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for an extra touch of freshness)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but adjust to taste)
- 2 cubes/teaspoons of chicken, mushroom, or vegetable concentrate (to intensify the flavors)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by step - Your guide to a perfect soup:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken meat well under cold running water. Place the meat in a large pot and add 2 liters of cold water. Sprinkle a little salt and put the pot over medium heat.

2. Removing the foam: When the water starts to boil, foam will form on the surface. Use a spatula to carefully remove this foam, ensuring the soup remains clear.

3. Adding the vegetables: After removing the foam, clean and wash the onions, celery, and parsnip. You can leave the vegetables whole, as they will add flavor, but you will remove them later. Place the vegetables in the pot and let everything simmer on low heat, covered, for about 25 minutes.

4. Preparing the tomatoes: Meanwhile, wash the tomatoes, remove the stems, and cut them into large pieces. Place them in another pot with 1 liter of cold water and a little salt. Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes become soft.

5. Blending the tomatoes: After they have simmered, let the tomatoes cool slightly, then blend them gently, without turning them into puree. It's important to maintain a slightly chunky texture. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the skins and seeds.

6. Finalizing the soup: Add the tomato puree to the pot with the meat and vegetables. Add the sugar, chicken concentrate (or mushroom/vegetable), and a little chopped parsley. Taste and season with salt and pepper as preferred. Let the soup simmer gently for another 10 minutes to combine the flavors.

7. Adding the noodles: If using regular noodles, add them to the soup and let them cook according to the package instructions. If using instant noodles, you can place them directly in the soup bowl and pour the hot soup over them.

8. Serving: Once the noodles are ready, you can add pieces of meat from the soup into bowls. Garnish with a fresh parsley leaf, adding a splash of color and freshness.

Serving suggestions: This delicious soup pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread or crunchy croutons. You can also serve it with a spoonful of sour cream for an extra creaminess.

Helpful tips:
- If you like a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Summer tomatoes are the tastiest, but in the colder season, you can use good quality canned tomatoes.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or can be frozen, making sure to leave a little space in the container for expansion.

Nutritional benefits: Tomato chicken soup is rich in vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin C, while chicken provides lean protein. The vegetables add fiber and essential nutrients, making this soup a healthy and nourishing dish.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, if you don't have fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes are a good alternative, but make sure to choose options without additives.
- How can I make the soup heartier? You can add rice or beans for an extra substance.
- Can I adapt the recipe for vegetarians? Yes, you can use a variety of vegetables and a vegetable concentrate instead of chicken, resulting in a delicious and nourishing soup.

Enjoy this tomato chicken soup with your loved ones and let yourself be carried away by its comforting flavors! Bon appétit!