Peasant Chicken Soup

Country Chicken Soup: A Delight of Nature's Flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Welcome to the world of soups, where the natural flavors of vegetables and chicken unite to create a healthy and comforting dish. Country chicken soup is a true symbol of family meals, a recipe that not only warms your soul but also helps you enjoy the benefits of fresh vegetables. Over time, this soup has been prepared in households, appreciated for its versatility and ease of preparation.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken (preferably thighs or breast for a richer taste)
- 100 g noodles (or other types of pasta, as preferred)
- 1 medium onion
- ½ leek
- 1 potato
- 1 carrot
- ½ celery root
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 1 parsnip
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 small bunch of cauliflower or broccoli
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- 40 ml sunflower or olive oil

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cleaning and washing the chicken thoroughly. Place it in a large pot (about 3.5 liters) with cold water. Bringing the water to a boil will help extract flavors from the meat. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. Use a skimmer to remove the foam that forms on the surface, ensuring that the soup will be clear.

2. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat has boiled and no longer forms foam, add the diced vegetables (onion, carrot, celery, parsnip, potato, and bell pepper). These vegetables will not only add flavor but also vibrant color to your soup. Let everything boil for about 15 minutes.

3. Preparing the tomatoes: Meanwhile, take the tomatoes, peel them, and dice them. In a separate pan, heat the oil and add a little salt, then sauté the tomatoes for 5-7 minutes. This step will intensify the flavor of the tomatoes and add depth to the soup. After they have softened, add them to the pot with the meat and vegetables.

4. Cooking the noodles: In another pot, bring a liter of water to a boil. Add the noodles and let them boil for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them sit for another 3 minutes. They will become soft but not overcooked. After they have cooled slightly, drain the noodles under a stream of cold water to stop the cooking process.

5. Finishing the soup: After about 30 minutes of boiling the meat and vegetables, add the drained noodles to the pot with the soup. Add the chopped parsley and salt to taste. Stir everything gently and let the soup boil for another 5 minutes to integrate the flavors.

6. Serving: Country chicken soup is served hot, but for an extra touch of flavor, you can add a spoonful of sour cream on top. This will soften the taste and add a creamy texture.

Practical Tips:
- Choose quality chicken, preferably from local farms. The taste and texture will be unmatched.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as root parsley or zucchini, to customize the soup to your preferences.
- If you like a more sour taste, you can add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice at the end.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add spices like basil or oregano.

Nutritional Benefits:
Country chicken soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and the vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals. It is also an easily digestible meal, ideal for the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Of course! You can replace the chicken with beef or pork, but the cooking time will be different.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add hot peppers or spicy seasonings to taste.
- How long does the soup keep in the fridge? The soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Possible Variations:
- Vegetarian soup: You can eliminate the meat and use various vegetables, adding tofu or beans for protein.
- Soup with cream: For a richer version, add cream during cooking.

Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread, as well as a crunchy green salad on the side. A refreshing drink, such as herbal tea or lemonade, will perfectly complement the meal.

Country chicken soup is more than just a recipe; it is a way to bring the family together, to enjoy simple moments, and to celebrate the flavors of nature. Prepare it with love and enjoy every spoonful!