Tomato soup with chicken

Tomato soup with chicken – a savory and comforting recipe, where juicy tomatoes leave their mark on the flavor, and the chicken contributes a special aroma. This soup is a perfect choice for both a family meal and a gathering with friends, being easy to prepare and full of flavors. Let's start our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients
- 1 free-range chicken (without breast, thighs, and wings)
- 3 onions
- 3 carrots
- 1 green bell pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- 4 large garden tomatoes
- 1 egg
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Shell-shaped pasta (about 100g)

Preparation steps

Step 1: Preparing the chicken
1. Start by washing the chicken well under a stream of cold water. Then, cut it into smaller pieces, making sure to remove the breast, thighs, and wings, which you can use for a delicious roast later.
2. Place the chicken pieces in a large pot and add cold water until they are completely covered. Bring to a boil.

Step 2: Removing toxins
1. Once the water has started to boil, you will notice foam forming on the surface. This is a sign that you should discard this first water, which may contain impurities. So, after it boils, strain the chicken and discard the water.
2. Wash the chicken pieces again under cold water and put them back in the pot, adding fresh water and salt to taste.

Step 3: Adding the vegetables
1. Peel and finely chop the onions, carrots, and green bell pepper. These vegetables will provide a flavorful base for your soup. Therefore, add them to the pot with the boiled chicken.
2. Let it simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes. The vegetables will soften and release their flavors.

Step 4: The tomatoes and pasta
1. In the meantime, prepare the tomatoes. If you want to remove the skin, you can blanch them for a few minutes and then cool them in cold water – the skin will come off easily. Puree the tomatoes in a food processor until they become a smooth paste.
2. After 30 minutes, add the tomato puree to the pot and let it boil for another 10 minutes. After that, add the shell-shaped pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-10 minutes.

Step 5: Finishing the soup
1. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a little soup broth. This will help temper the egg so that it doesn't coagulate suddenly when you add it to the soup.
2. Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and add the egg mixture. Then, add the chopped fresh parsley, covering the pot to allow the flavors to combine.

Tips and useful advice
- Tomatoes: Choose well-ripened tomatoes, preferably from the garden. They will add a sweet and rich note to the soup. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes, but the taste will be different.
- Pasta: You can adapt the shape of the pasta according to your preferences. You can use fusilli, penne, or any other type of pasta you like.
- Serving: The soup is served hot, but you can also add a teaspoon of sour cream on top for extra creaminess. A slice of fresh bread on the side will perfectly complete the meal.

Nutritional benefits
This tomato soup with chicken is not only delicious but also full of nutrients. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, such as lycopene, which can contribute to heart health. The chicken provides quality protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the pasta adds complex carbohydrates, providing energy.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it before cooking.
- How long can I keep the soup in the refrigerator? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Can I freeze the soup? The soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to add the fresh pasta only when serving to avoid it becoming too soft.

Possible variations
- You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or celery, to diversify the flavor.
- If you like spicy flavors, you can add a finely chopped hot pepper.
- Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano to intensify the soup's flavor.

Take a moment to savor every bite of this tomato soup with chicken. It is more than just a meal; it is an invitation to comfort and warmth. Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together at the table!