Green bean soup with chicken meat

Green Bean Soup with Chicken - A Comforting Delight

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Number of Servings: 4-6

Looking for a comforting soup recipe, full of flavors and health? Green bean soup with chicken is the perfect choice! This soup is not just a simple meal, but a culinary experience that blends tradition with a touch of innovation. While tradition says it can also be made without meat or with pork belly, today we focus on the chicken version, which brings a light and delicious taste.

A Drop of History

Green bean soup is a classic dish, appreciated in many cuisines around the world. Over time, it has been adapted based on available ingredients and local preferences. It is often associated with family meals, being a symbol of comfort and warmth of home. So, get ready to bring a touch of tradition into your own kitchen!

Ingredients

- 500 g fresh or frozen green beans
- 300-400 g chicken wings and back
- 1 can of canned tomatoes (about 400 g)
- 1 large onion
- 2 stalks of celery
- 2 medium carrots
- 2-3 tablespoons of magic borscht (or to taste)
- Fresh lovage (optional)
- Fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper (optional)

Preparation Technique

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by preparing all the ingredients. Wash the green beans well under a stream of cold water. If using fresh beans, trim the ends and cut the beans into pieces about 2-3 cm long. If using frozen beans, thawing is not necessary.

Peel and finely chop the onion, and you can cut the celery and carrots into cubes or rounds, as preferred. The canned tomatoes can be quickly blended to obtain a smooth puree.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

In a large pot, add the chicken and enough water to cover the meat well. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. At first, when the water starts to boil, you will notice foam forming on top. It is important to remove the foam with a skimmer to obtain a clear and tasty soup.

Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot. These will add a special flavor, essential for the soup base.

Step 3: Adding the Beans

Once you no longer see foam, add the green beans to the pot. Let the soup simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. During this time, add salt to taste.

Step 4: Carrots and Tomatoes

After the beans have started to soften, add the chopped carrots and the tomato puree. Mix well and let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes, until all the ingredients are well cooked and the flavors have combined.

Step 5: Finalizing the Soup

When the soup is almost ready, add the magic borscht, adjusting the amount to your taste. If desired, you can enrich the soup with a bit of sour cream, adding a creamy note.

After removing the pot from the heat, take out the pieces of meat and let them cool slightly. Remove the meat from the bones and chop it finely, then put it back in the soup. This step is essential for preserving the juiciness of the meat and intensifying the flavor.

Step 6: Serving

Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the soup for an extra touch of freshness. Serving is an important part of the culinary experience. The soup can be enjoyed warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or with crunchy croutons.

Practical Tips

1. Green Beans: If you choose fresh beans, make sure they are firm and crisp. Frozen beans are convenient and will yield excellent results, saving time.

2. Chicken: You can also use chicken breast, but bone-in chicken provides a richer flavor. I encourage you to experiment with different parts of the chicken to discover which you like best.

3. Variants: If you want to add extra flavor, you can include spices such as sweet paprika or garlic. You can also replace the magic borscht with lemon juice for a fresher note.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup is not only tasty but also full of nutrients. Green beans are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, while chicken provides lean protein. Carrots add an additional supply of beta-carotene, and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use pork or even beef, but cooking time will vary.

2. Can the soup be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! The soup can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days, and the flavor will intensify.

3. What is the best method of storage?
The soup can be frozen in portions for later use. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container.

4. What kind of drinks pair well with the soup?
A cold lemonade or a dry white wine would perfectly complement this meal.

A Personal Note

I fondly remember the moments spent cooking with my grandmother, who used traditional recipes like this to gather us around the table. Green bean soup with chicken was always a pleasant surprise, and its aroma filled my heart with nostalgia. I encourage you to share this soup with your loved ones, creating beautiful memories at every meal.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it's time to start cooking! So, put on your apron and let yourself be carried away by the delicious aromas of this comforting soup. Enjoy your meal!