Chicken soup with vegetables

Chicken Soup with Vegetables Recipe from Bulgaria - Ingredients include Chicken, Carrots, Celery, Onion, Flour, Milk, Butter, Egg, Pepper, and Vermicelli

Region / culture: Bulgaria | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken soup with vegetables is a classic comfort food that is not only delicious but also nutritious. This hearty soup is perfect for a cold winter day or when you are feeling under the weather.

History

Chicken soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in different cultures around the world. It is often referred to as "Jewish penicillin" due to its reputation for being a healing and nourishing meal.

Ingredients

1 chicken
3-4 carrots
1 celery
1 onion
1 spoonful flour
1 cupful milk
40 g butter
1 egg
pepper
parsley
salt
vermicelli if desired

How to prepare

Boil the whole chicken and peppercorns in salted water. Remove the meat from the bones.
In a separate pan, fry the finely chopped carrots, celery, and onion in butter and a little water until they become soft. Stir in the flour and then add the chicken pieces after approximately 5 minutes. Boil for an additional 10 minutes.
Thicken the mixture by adding beaten egg and milk while stirring constantly.
Before serving, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or corn. You can also use different herbs and spices to change up the flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, consider adding a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme while simmering the broth. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken soup with vegetables hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flavorful chicken soup is to simmer the broth slowly to allow the flavors to develop. Be sure to skim off any foam that rises to the surface while cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make a lighter version of this soup, you can use skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian option.

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

Serve the chicken soup in a rustic bowl with a slice of crusty bread on the side. You can also garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken soup with vegetables pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chicken soup with vegetables contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chicken soup with vegetables contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy.

Fats

This soup is relatively low in fat, with only 8 grams per serving. To reduce the fat content, you can use low-fat milk and less butter in the recipe.

Proteins

Chicken is a rich source of protein, with each serving of this soup providing around 20 grams of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken soup with vegetables is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy immune system and overall well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and butter) and eggs, so it may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, chicken soup with vegetables is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chicken soup with vegetables is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with nutrients and flavor, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, I stumbled upon a faded handwritten recipe for chicken soup with vegetables. The delicate handwriting and the simple ingredients listed on the page captivated me, and I knew I had to try it.

I had always been passionate about cooking, and my grandmother had taught me the basics of preparing traditional dishes from our family's heritage. But this recipe was different – it seemed to hold a secret charm that whispered to me of warmth and comfort. I could almost smell the fragrant aroma of simmering chicken broth and fresh vegetables as I read through the instructions.

I decided to make the soup that very day. I gathered the necessary ingredients – a plump chicken, carrots, celery, onions, and a handful of herbs from my garden. I carefully followed the instructions, chopping the vegetables and simmering the chicken in a pot of water until it was tender and the broth was rich with flavor.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with its savory scent, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. I knew that this recipe was a treasure, passed down through generations, and I was honored to be able to recreate it in my own kitchen.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I took a tentative sip, and the taste was like nothing I had ever experienced before. The broth was rich and flavorful, the vegetables tender and sweet. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that warmed me from the inside out.

I knew that I had discovered a new favorite recipe, one that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. I shared the soup with my family, and they too were enchanted by its deliciousness. They asked me where I had learned to make it, and I told them the story of how I had stumbled upon the recipe in my great-grandmother's cookbook.

From that day on, chicken soup with vegetables became a beloved dish in our household. I made it on cold winter days when we needed a bit of warmth and comfort, and on rainy afternoons when a bowl of steaming soup was the perfect antidote to the gloom outside.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adding my own twist here and there – a pinch of this, a dash of that – to make it truly my own. But the essence of the soup remained the same, a tribute to the generations of women who had come before me and shared their culinary wisdom.

Now, as I sit here in my cozy kitchen, preparing a pot of chicken soup with vegetables for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile. I know that this recipe will continue to be passed down through the years, bringing warmth and comfort to future generations just as it has to mine.

And as I watch my grandchildren eagerly slurp up their bowls of soup, their faces glowing with satisfaction, I am filled with a sense of joy and pride. For I know that I have shared something truly special with them – a recipe that is not just food for the body, but food for the soul.