Vegetable soup with chicken wings

Vegetable and Chicken Wing Soup: A Warm and Comforting Feast

Vegetable and chicken wing soup is a classic dish that brings together the fresh flavors of vegetables with the succulence of chicken meat. It is a simple and quick recipe, perfect for those days when you need a warm bowl of goodness. This soup is not only delicious, but also offers excellent nutritional value, being packed with vitamins and minerals. Let's embark on this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 large onion
- 1 parsnip
- 1 handful of broccoli (approximately 150g)
- 200g Brussels sprouts
- 200g green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons of soup pasta (such as couscous or letter-shaped)
- 500g chicken wings
- 1 liter of borscht (or to taste)
- Fresh lovage (approximately 50g)
- Fresh parsley (approximately 50g)
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (approximately 400g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for sautéing vegetables

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion. Peel the carrots and cut them into rounds or cubes, as preferred. Peel and finely chop the parsnip, and dice the bell pepper. Broccoli can be broken into small florets, and the Brussels sprouts can be halved or left whole, depending on their size.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add a little oil (about 2-3 tablespoons) and sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the carrots, parsnip, and bell pepper and sauté them together for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. This step will intensify the flavors of the vegetables, providing a delicious base for the soup.

3. Adding water and chicken wings: After the vegetables have been sautéed, pour approximately 3 liters of water into the pot. Add the chicken wings and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Let it boil over medium heat for 20 minutes until the meat becomes tender.

4. Adding the vegetables and tomatoes: After 20 minutes, add the broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and green beans to the pot. Add the tomato paste and the canned tomatoes in juice, stirring well. Let it boil for 15 minutes so that all the ingredients combine harmoniously and reveal their flavors.

5. Finalizing the soup: Finally, adjust the soup's taste with salt and pepper, then add the borscht, finely chopped lovage, and parsley. Add the pasta and let the soup boil for another 5-7 minutes until the pasta is cooked. Your soup is now ready!

6. Serving: Serve the soup warm, garnished with a few fresh lovage leaves on top. A slice of fresh bread on the side will perfectly complement this comforting dish.

Practical tips:
- If you want a heartier soup, you can also add diced potatoes.
- Use seasonal vegetables for an even fresher taste.
- You can replace the chicken wings with turkey meat or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- If you prefer a more sour soup, add more borscht or a little lemon juice.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is full of essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Broccoli is rich in vitamin C and fiber, while chicken wings provide quality protein.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but make sure to add them at the right time to avoid overcooking.
- What else can I add to the soup? You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or celery, depending on your preferences.
- How long does the soup keep in the fridge? The soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but the flavor improves after a night of cooling.

Ideal pairings:
This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a vegetable tart for a complete lunch. For a drink, fresh lemonade or a light white wine can perfectly complement the flavors.

Vegetable and chicken wing soup is a dish that not only nourishes but also blends tradition with innovation in the kitchen. Try this simple and quick recipe, and enjoy every bite!