Rice soup

Rice Soup – A Warm Embrace in a Bowl

When it comes to comfort food, few recipes manage to provide the same feeling of warmth and satisfaction as rice soup. This classic, simple, and comforting recipe is perfect for chilly days or moments when you need a hug on a plate. Rice soup is not only a delicious dish but also a nutritious choice, filled with interesting flavors and textures.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of rice soup is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. This soup has often been made in households as a way to use leftover meat and vegetables, transforming them into a nourishing and comforting meal. Today, rice soup is appreciated for its versatility and can be adapted based on available ingredients.

Ingredients:
- 800 g chicken (preferably with bones, for a richer taste)
- 100 g rice (medium-grain type, such as risotto rice or Basmati)
- 1 large onion (cut in half)
- 1 carrot (diced)
- 1 parsnip (diced)
- 1 piece of celery (about 100 g, diced)
- 1 parsley root (diced)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (finely chopped, for serving)
- salt, to taste
- lemon juice or sour cream (optional)

Preparing the Rice Soup

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Broth
Start by preparing a clear chicken broth. In a large pot, add the chicken along with enough water to completely cover it. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. It is important to skim the broth a few times, removing the foam that forms on the surface. This step ensures a clear and tasty soup.

Step 2: Slow Cooking
After skimming the broth, reduce the heat to low. The soup should not boil rapidly but should simmer. This slow process will allow the flavors to develop during cooking. Let the chicken simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Adding the Vegetables
After 30 minutes, add the chopped vegetables (onion, carrot, parsnip, celery, and parsley root). Let them cook together with the chicken for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked. Check the dish periodically and, if needed, add salt to taste.

Step 4: Straining and Preparing the Rice
Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, remove them from the broth. Strain the broth to remove solid remnants. In another pot, wash the rice in several waters to remove excess starch. This step is essential for achieving less sticky rice. Cook the rice in half of the strained chicken broth over low heat.

Step 5: Finalizing the Soup
When the rice is cooked, add the remaining broth and the finely chopped cooked vegetables. Bring the soup to a gentle boil and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Now is the time to enrich the soup with chopped fresh parsley. You can adjust the soup's consistency to your preference by adding more water or broth.

Step 6: Serving
The rice soup is now ready to be served! You can add a few drops of lemon juice for an extra zing or mix an egg yolk with sour cream for a creamier texture. I love to serve this soup alongside a slice of fresh, lightly toasted bread to complete the meal.

Practical Tips:
- It is recommended to use chicken with bones, as it adds a deeper flavor and richer aroma to the soup.
- You can experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to add a personal touch to your soup.
- If you enjoy a spicier taste, you can add hot parsley or ground black pepper.

Nutritional Benefits:
Rice soup is a healthy choice, providing protein from chicken and carbohydrates from rice. The vegetables add essential fiber and vitamins. This soup is perfect for supporting the immune system during the cold season.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but the cooking time will be longer and it will require more water.
2. How can I store the soup for several days?
Keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 3-4 days.
3. Can I freeze rice soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add fresh rice upon reheating to maintain texture.

I hope this rice soup recipe delights you and inspires you to prepare it! It is a simple recipe, yet full of tradition and love, that can quickly become your favorite. Enjoy!