Chicken Rice Soup

Brazilian Chicken Rice Soup Recipe with Fresh Ingredients

Region / culture: Brazil | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken rice soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold day or when you are feeling under the weather. This recipe is a classic that has been enjoyed by many for generations.

History

Chicken rice soup has been a staple in many cultures around the world for centuries. It is a simple and nourishing dish that is often made with basic ingredients that are readily available. The combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables in a flavorful broth makes for a satisfying meal that is both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (3 lb or 1.36 kg)
1 bay leaf
1 medium onion, quartered
1 whole clove
2 ripe tomatoes, quartered
1 carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces
0.25 cup chopped celery leaves
20 black peppercorns, tied in a piece of cheesecloth
0.5 cup uncooked white rice
salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 carrots, thinly sliced on the diagonal
0.25 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

How to prepare

Wash the chicken thoroughly.
Remove the skin and any pieces of fat.
Pin the bay leaf to 1 onion quarter with the clove.
Place the chicken in a large pot with the tomatoes, onion quarters, 1 carrot, celery leaves, and peppercorn bundle.
Add 10 cups of cold water and bring to a boil.
Skim off the fat and foam that rise to the surface.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour, skimming often to remove the fat.
Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool.
Strain the broth into a large saucepan, pressing the vegetables to extract the juices.
Pull the chicken meat off the bones and shred or finely dice it.
Add the rice, salt, and pepper to the broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the thinly sliced carrots and celery to the soup with the shredded chicken and half of the parsley.
Simmer the soup for another 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Correct the seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and serve immediately.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or other vegetables such as peas or corn for added texture and flavor.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.
Add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as dill or thyme for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to skim off any fat and foam that rises to the surface of the broth while simmering to ensure a clear and flavorful soup.

- Shredding or finely dicing the chicken meat before adding it back to the soup ensures that every bite is filled with tender chicken.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more salt and pepper as needed.

- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chicken rice soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the broth, add the rice and vegetables, and simmer until tender.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken rice soup pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chicken rice soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chicken rice soup contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chicken rice soup contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of chicken rice soup contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken rice soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken and may not be suitable for those with poultry allergies.

Summary

Chicken rice soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken rice soup is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple to make and is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup with your family and friends today!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a cold winter day, the kind where the snow falls softly outside and the warmth of the kitchen beckons you in. I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something comforting to make for dinner. That's when I stumbled upon a faded, stained piece of paper tucked in between the cards. It was a recipe for Chicken Rice Soup, handwritten in a delicate cursive script.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories flooded back to me. I remembered the first time I tasted this soup, many years ago when I was just a young girl. It was a chilly autumn day, and my mother had spent the entire morning simmering a pot of chicken broth on the stove. The aroma wafted through the house, comforting and enticing. When she finally served us each a steaming bowl of the soup, I knew I had found a new favorite.

My mother learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a family recipe, passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own touch to it. I remember watching my mother, with her flour-dusted hands and flourished apron, as she chopped vegetables and shredded chicken, creating a masterpiece of flavors in that humble pot of soup.

I decided then and there that I needed to learn how to make this soup myself. I wanted to carry on the tradition, to keep the recipe alive for future generations. So I set to work, gathering the ingredients and following the instructions on the yellowed paper. I could almost hear my mother's voice guiding me through each step, her gentle encouragement pushing me forward.

I started by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot, the sizzle and aroma filling the kitchen with warmth. Then I added carrots, celery, and a handful of fresh herbs, letting them cook until they were soft and fragrant. Next came the chicken broth, rich and flavorful, a base for the soup that would give it depth and heartiness.

I seasoned the broth with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika, tasting and adjusting until it was just right. Then I added the shredded chicken, tender and juicy, and let it simmer for a while, allowing the flavors to meld and mingle. Finally, I stirred in the cooked rice, watching as it soaked up the broth and thickened the soup to perfection.

When it was ready, I ladled the soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The steam rose in delicate tendrils, carrying with it the memory of all the times I had enjoyed this soup in the past. I took a tentative sip, letting the warmth and comfort wash over me, filling me with a sense of contentment and nostalgia.

As I savored each spoonful, I knew that I had done justice to the recipe. I had honored my mother and my grandmother, carrying on their legacy in my own small way. And as I sat at the table, surrounded by the ones I loved, I felt grateful for the gift of this recipe, a simple yet profound connection to my family and my past.

And so, dear reader, that is how I learned to make Chicken Rice Soup. It is a recipe that has brought me comfort and joy throughout the years, a constant in a world of change and uncertainty. I hope that you, too, will find solace and satisfaction in this humble dish, and that you will pass it on to your own loved ones, keeping the tradition alive for generations to come.