Chicken Soup with Fennel and Spinach

Fennel and Spinach Chicken Soup Recipe with Lemon Zest

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Soup with Fennel and Spinach is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or when you're feeling under the weather. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic fennel, and vibrant spinach creates a flavorful and satisfying soup that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Chicken soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, known for its healing properties and nourishing qualities. The addition of fennel and spinach to this classic dish adds a unique twist and a boost of flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
2 fennel bulbs, coarsely chopped (4 cups), fronds and shoots reserved for garnish
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 small shallot, chopped
4 cans (14.5 oz or 411 g) reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick), skin removed
1 bag (10 oz or 283 g) of fresh spinach
2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest

How to prepare

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
Add fennel; cook for 10 minutes, until it begins to brown, stirring occasionally.
Add salt, pepper, and shallot; cook for 5 minutes, until shallot is softened and fennel is lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
Add chicken broth and chicken legs; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, approximately 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and transfer chicken to a colander.
Run chicken under cold water just until cool enough to handle.
Remove chicken meat from bones (discard bones), shred meat, and add to soup.
Stir in spinach and lemon zest.
Spoon into serving bowls and garnish with reserved fennel fronds and shoots, if desired.

Variations

Add cooked pasta or rice to make the soup more filling.
Use different greens such as kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for a creamy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the skin from the chicken legs before adding them to the soup to reduce the fat content.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken legs from scratch.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon zest as needed.

- For a thicker soup, you can puree a portion of the soup in a blender before adding the shredded chicken and spinach.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

To save time, you can use a pressure cooker or slow cooker to cook the soup.

- For a richer flavor, you can roast the fennel before adding it to the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fennel, you can use celery or leeks as a substitute.

- You can use chicken breast or thighs instead of chicken legs.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup 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 leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Soup with Fennel and Spinach contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Soup with Fennel and Spinach contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Soup with Fennel and Spinach contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Soup with Fennel and Spinach contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check the ingredients for any potential allergens if you have food sensitivities.

Summary

Chicken Soup with Fennel and Spinach is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals while being relatively low in carbohydrates and fats.

Summary

Chicken Soup with Fennel and Spinach is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful broth, tender chicken, and vibrant greens, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup on a chilly day or whenever you need a nourishing meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, just like any other, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon a worn piece of paper that had been tucked away inside. Curious, I unfolded it and was delighted to find a handwritten recipe for Chicken Soup with Fennel and Spinach.

I had never heard of such a combination before, but something about it intrigued me. The handwriting was elegant and flowing, and I could tell that this recipe had been treasured by whoever had written it. I could almost picture a loving grandmother preparing this soup for her family, passing down a tradition that had been cherished for generations.

Excited to try something new, I gathered the ingredients listed on the recipe and set to work in my kitchen. The aroma of chicken broth simmering on the stove filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of fennel and the freshness of spinach. I could feel a sense of anticipation building within me as I carefully followed each step, wanting to do justice to this special recipe.

As the soup slowly cooked, I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood, spent watching my grandmother in her own kitchen. She was a masterful cook, always whipping up delicious meals with seemingly effortless grace. I remembered the way she would hum to herself as she chopped vegetables or stirred a bubbling pot on the stove, her hands moving with a practiced ease that only comes with years of experience.

I had learned so much from her over the years, absorbing her knowledge like a sponge and storing it away for future use. I could still hear her voice in my head, offering tips and tricks for getting the perfect flavor and texture in every dish. And now, as I stood over my own pot of soup, I felt her presence with me, guiding my hands and imbuing the food with a touch of her own magic.

Finally, the soup was ready. I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, the vibrant green contrasting beautifully with the golden broth. I took a tentative sip, the flavors exploding on my tongue in a symphony of savory goodness. The chicken was tender, the fennel added a subtle sweetness, and the spinach lent a bright, fresh note to the dish. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a perfect balance of flavors that danced across my palate with each spoonful.

I couldn't wait to share this new recipe with my family and friends, to pass on the tradition that had been handed down to me. I knew that this soup would become a favorite in my own household, just as it had been in the family of the mysterious writer of the recipe. I felt a sense of gratitude towards that unknown grandmother, for sharing her culinary wisdom with me and enriching my life in ways she could never have imagined.

And so, as I sat down to enjoy my bowl of Chicken Soup with Fennel and Spinach, I offered up a silent thank you to the woman who had inspired me to try something new, to step out of my comfort zone and explore the vast and delicious world of cooking. I knew that her legacy would live on in every bite of this soup, connecting me to a long line of women who had poured their love and care into the meals they prepared for their loved ones.

As I savored the last spoonful, I made a promise to myself to continue seeking out new recipes, new flavors, and new experiences in the kitchen. For it is through food that we can connect with our past, our present, and our future, weaving a tapestry of memories and traditions that will endure for generations to come. And I, for one, am eager to add my own chapter to that rich and delicious story.