Chicken Soup à la Parisienne

Chicken Soup à la Parisienne Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Soup à la Parisienne is a classic French dish that is both comforting and delicious. This hearty soup is filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, making it the perfect meal for a chilly day.

History

This recipe has its roots in French cuisine, where soups are a staple in many households. Chicken Soup à la Parisienne is a variation of the traditional chicken soup, with the addition of white wine and asparagus giving it a unique and sophisticated flavor.

Ingredients

6 cups chicken broth
0.33 cup uncooked rice
0.5 cup fresh or frozen peas
2 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch slices
0.75 cup sliced green onions
0.25 cup dry white wine
salt and ground black pepper to taste
0.5 tsp thyme leaves
0.5 tsp summer savory leaves, crushed
2 to 3 cups boned cooked chicken, in large pieces
1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can all green asparagus (cut spears, tips included)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Combine the broth, rice, peas, celery, onions, wine, salt, pepper, thyme, and savory.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir well, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the chicken, asparagus, and parsley; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary.

Variations

Add mushrooms or leeks for extra flavor.
Use wild rice instead of white rice for a nutty taste.
Substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

- For a richer soup, you can add a splash of cream at the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a crusty baguette or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a crisp white wine or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 8 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Soup à la Parisienne is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream) and gluten (if using flour as a thickener).

Summary

Chicken Soup à la Parisienne is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein and vitamins.

Summary

Chicken Soup à la Parisienne is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Chicken Soup à la Parisienne. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a faded photograph of a steaming bowl of soup, garnished with fresh herbs and a hint of cream. The caption beneath it read, "Chicken Soup à la Parisienne - a taste of France in every spoonful."

I had always been drawn to French cuisine, with its delicate flavors and elegant presentation. The idea of recreating a Parisian dish in my own kitchen filled me with excitement and anticipation. I knew that this recipe would be a challenge, but I was determined to master it.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully measuring out each one as I went. The recipe called for a whole chicken, which I simmered in a pot of water with onions, carrots, and celery until the meat was tender and falling off the bones. The aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly, a combination of savory chicken broth and the earthy sweetness of the vegetables.

Next, I removed the chicken from the pot and shredded the meat, discarding the bones and skin. I strained the broth through a fine mesh sieve, removing any bits of debris and skimming off the excess fat. The broth was rich and golden, a perfect base for the soup.

I returned the shredded chicken to the pot, along with a handful of diced potatoes and a generous sprinkling of fresh herbs - parsley, thyme, and a bay leaf. I let the soup simmer for another hour, allowing the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to soften.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to the origins of this recipe. I remembered the time I had spent in Paris as a young woman, exploring the bustling markets and quaint bistros that lined the cobblestone streets. I had always been fascinated by the way the French approached food, with a reverence and respect for each ingredient.

One day, while wandering through a market in Montmartre, I had struck up a conversation with an elderly woman who was selling fresh produce. She had shared with me her recipe for Chicken Soup à la Parisienne, passed down through generations of her family. I had scribbled it down on a scrap of paper, tucked it into my pocket, and promptly forgotten about it - until now.

As I stirred the soup and tasted it for seasoning, I thought of that kind woman and the connection we had forged over a shared love of food. I hoped that I had done justice to her recipe, that I had captured a bit of the magic of Paris in each spoonful.

Finally, the soup was ready. I ladled it into bowls, drizzling a swirl of cream on top and garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chives. The aroma that wafted up from the bowls was intoxicating, a heady blend of chicken, vegetables, and herbs.

I sat down at the table and took a spoonful of the soup, savoring the first taste. The flavors were exquisite - rich and comforting, with a subtle hint of sweetness from the vegetables. It was like a warm hug on a cold day, a taste of Paris in my own kitchen.

As I enjoyed my bowl of Chicken Soup à la Parisienne, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the journey that had led me to this moment. The recipe had taught me more than just how to make a delicious soup - it had reminded me of the power of food to connect us, to bring us together in a shared experience of joy and nourishment.

And so, as I finished my meal and scraped the last bit of soup from my bowl, I made a promise to myself to continue exploring new recipes, new flavors, and new connections. Because in the end, that is what truly makes cooking special - the ability to create something beautiful and delicious, and to share it with those we love.