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Chicken soup with vegetables - A heartfelt recipe

Chicken soup with vegetables is one of those recipes that embraces our soul and reminds us of warm family meals from childhood. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days or when we need a little comfort. With a savory mix of juicy meat and fresh vegetables, chicken soup with vegetables is an excellent choice, not only for its taste but also for the nutritional benefits it offers.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 bone-in chicken breast
- 1 medium potato
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2 eggs (only the yolks, separated)
- 3-4 cloves of crushed garlic (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 2 cubes of instant broth (or salt, pepper, to taste)
- 500 g sour cream
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Hot pepper (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by preparing all the ingredients. Wash the vegetables well, then peel the onion, carrot, and potato. You can cut the potato and carrot into small cubes for quicker cooking. You can leave the onion whole to give the soup a more intense flavor.

Step 2: Boiling the meat and vegetables

In a large pot, add the bone-in chicken breast, onion, carrot, and potato. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Boil over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, until the meat easily separates from the bone. If desired, you can also add a piece of beef or pork bone with marrow for extra flavor. This is a trick I learned from my niece that makes the soup richer and more aromatic.

Step 3: Shredding the meat and removing the vegetables

Once the meat is well boiled, remove the chicken breast from the pot and let it cool slightly. When it is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into small strips. You can remove the vegetables from the soup with a slotted spoon, leaving only the liquid to boil.

Step 4: Flavoring the soup

Add a tablespoon of vinegar to the pot, then add the instant broth or salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup boil for a few minutes for the flavors to combine. At this point, you can also add the crushed garlic for extra flavor.

Step 5: Cream of sour cream

In a separate bowl, beat the two yolks with the sour cream and flour. This mixture will thicken the soup and make it creamier. Gradually add a few tablespoons of hot soup to the sour cream mixture to temper it, then pour it back into the pot. This trick will prevent the sour cream from curdling and ensure a velvety texture for the soup.

Step 6: Finishing the soup

Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, stirring gently to combine the ingredients. Finally, add the shredded meat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. If you like it spicy, add a few slices of hot pepper.

Step 7: Serving

Chicken soup with vegetables is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or croutons. It is perfect to be enjoyed with a crunchy green salad.

Practical tips

- Choosing the meat: Bone-in chicken breast offers a richer flavor than boneless breast. Additionally, the bone contributes to a tastier soup.
- Vegetables: You can add or substitute the vegetables with your favorites. For example, celery or peas are excellent options.
- Sour cream: Make sure the sour cream is at room temperature before adding it to the soup to prevent curdling.
- Garlic: You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your preferences. It is a strong-flavored ingredient but can be omitted if you prefer a milder soup.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken soup with vegetables is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken breast is a lean protein, while the vegetables provide a significant amount of fiber and nutrients. Sour cream adds healthy fats, but you can opt for light sour cream for a lighter version.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use boneless chicken breast?: Yes, but the soup will have a less intense flavor.
- How can I store the soup?: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Is the soup suitable for children?: Absolutely! It is a healthy and nourishing recipe, ideal for the whole family.

Variations

- Chicken soup with noodles: Add homemade or store-bought noodles in the last 10 minutes of boiling.
- Chicken soup with rice: You can replace the potato with rice for a heartier option.
- Chicken soup with assorted vegetables: Try adding seasonal vegetables for a fresh and varied taste.

Chicken soup with vegetables is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be customized according to your preferences. Don't forget to enjoy every step of preparing this delicious soup and let yourself be carried away by the beautiful memories it brings. Savor each spoonful and share it with your loved ones!