Light chicken soup

Light Chicken Soup - A comforting recipe, full of flavors and nutrients

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Chicken soup is an extremely appreciated traditional dish, loved in many cultures for its simplicity and the comfort it provides. This easy chicken soup recipe, with fresh vegetables and noodles, is perfect for a family meal or to warm the soul on a chilly day. It’s a wonderful choice not only in terms of taste but also from a health perspective, offering a wealth of essential nutrients.

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 pieces of chicken back (approximately 600-800 g)
- 2 stalks of celery (with roots)
- 2 carrots
- 1 large onion
- 2-3 handfuls of noodles (preferably homemade, but you can also use store-bought)
- 200 ml cooking cream
- 2 tablespoons of tomato juice (or paste, for a more intense flavor)
- Borscht, to taste (approximately 300 ml)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Useful tips:
1. Choosing the meat: Chicken back is an excellent choice for soup, as it contains a good amount of collagen, which will provide a rich and velvety texture to the soup. You can also use chicken breast, but you will need to adjust the cooking time, as it cooks faster.
2. Vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for a more intense flavor. Onion, celery, and carrots are the base of the flavors, but you can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
3. The soup's acidity: Borscht is the magic ingredient that will bring that specific tangy taste, but if you don’t have borscht, you can use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
4. Noodles: If you have time, make the noodles at home. They are quick to prepare with just a few ingredients, and their flavor will transform the soup into a true delight.

Preparation:

1. Boiling the meat: In a large pot, add the chicken back pieces and enough water to cover them. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. After a few minutes, you will notice foam forming on the surface. This should be removed with a skimmer to achieve a clear and tasty soup.

2. Adding the vegetables: Once the foam has been removed, add the whole onion (you can leave it with the skin for a more intense flavor, which you will remove at the end), the celery cut into large pieces, and the carrots sliced into rounds. Continue to boil over medium heat for 20 minutes until the meat is almost cooked.

3. Including the tomato paste: Add the two tablespoons of tomato juice and let the soup boil for another 10 minutes. This step will enhance the aroma and color of the soup.

4. Noodles: Add the noodles to the pot and boil them according to the package instructions or about 5-7 minutes until they become al dente. The noodles will absorb the flavors from the soup, becoming an essential part of the dish.

5. Sourness: Depending on your taste, gradually add the borscht, testing the soup after each addition to find the perfect balance between sourness and the flavors of chicken and vegetables.

6. Finishing the soup: Finally, reduce the heat to low and add the cooking cream, mixing well. This ingredient will add a special creaminess to the soup. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

7. Serving: Turn off the heat and add the chopped parsley, mixing well. Serve the soup hot, alongside fresh bread or flavored croutons. You can garnish with a bit of extra parsley for a more pleasant appearance.

Possible variations:
- Chicken soup with mushrooms: Add diced fresh mushrooms for a richer flavor.
- Chicken soup with horseradish: If you like stronger flavors, you can add a tablespoon of grated horseradish, which will add an extra kick.
- Chicken soup with green vegetables: Replace the carrots with peas or green beans for a more colorful and nutrient-rich version.

Serving tips: The soup pairs very well with a slice of homemade bread or garlic croutons. Additionally, a drizzle of olive oil on top will add a wonderful taste. For those who appreciate a bit of spice, a dash of pepper or a hot sauce can transform the soup into an even more enjoyable experience.

Nutritional information:
This chicken soup is rich in protein due to the chicken, offering around 220-250 calories per serving. Additionally, the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely! Turkey provides a different but equally delicious flavor.
2. How can I store the soup for several days? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze the soup? Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add the noodles only after thawing to prevent an unpleasant texture.

With this light chicken soup recipe, you will bring to the table a dish full of tradition, warm and comforting, perfect for any occasion. So, put on your apron, grab your fresh ingredients, and enjoy every step of preparing this delight!