Chicken Tomato Basil Rice Soup

Chicken Tomato Basil Rice Soup Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Tomato Basil Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with flavor from the combination of juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, aromatic basil, and savory garlic. The addition of rice adds a satisfying element to the soup, making it a complete meal in a bowl.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on classic chicken and tomato soup. The addition of basil and rice gives it a fresh and unique flavor profile. While the exact origins of this specific recipe are unknown, variations of chicken and tomato soup have been enjoyed by families for generations.

Ingredients

1 tsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces
2 14 oz (14 g) cans no salt added stewed tomatoes, undrained*
1 14 oz (14 g) can low-sodium chicken broth
1 6 oz (170 g) can no salt added tomato paste
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
0.5 to 1 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 tsp salt
3 cups hot cooked rice (cooked without salt or fat)
Fresh basil for garnish

How to prepare

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes or until the onion is tender.
Add tomatoes and their juice, broth, tomato paste, basil, parsley, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
Just before serving, place 0.5 cup of hot rice into individual serving bowls. Ladle the soup over the rice. Garnish with basil.

Variations

Add diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture.
Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- For a thicker soup, add more tomato paste or puree.

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

- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

To save time, use a pressure cooker or slow cooker to make this soup.

- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breast.

- Substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh basil or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light beer like a pilsner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Tomato Basil Rice Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Tomato Basil Rice Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Tomato Basil Rice Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Tomato Basil Rice Soup contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check the labels on your ingredients for any potential allergens.

Summary

Chicken Tomato Basil Rice Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Tomato Basil Rice Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Tomato Basil Rice Soup. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor harvest her garden. As a thank you, she handed me a handwritten recipe card and told me it was a family favorite.

I studied the card with excitement, taking in the ingredients and the instructions. The combination of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, tender chicken, and hearty rice seemed like the perfect comfort food for the cool weather ahead. I couldn't wait to try it out in my own kitchen.

As I gathered the ingredients, I couldn't help but reflect on the many recipes I had learned over the years. Some had been passed down from my own mother, while others had been shared by friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Each recipe carried with it a story, a memory, a connection to someone or something special.

I remembered the first time I made my mother's famous apple pie, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the air as it baked in the oven. I recalled the recipe for chocolate chip cookies that a coworker had shared with me, a simple gesture of kindness that had sparked a friendship. And I thought of the spicy curry dish that a traveling chef had taught me to make, a taste of faraway lands that had ignited my wanderlust.

As I chopped the tomatoes and minced the garlic, I thought about the woman who had given me this particular recipe. She was a widow, living alone in the house next door. I had often seen her tending to her garden, her hands weathered and worn from years of hard work. She had never married or had children, but she had a warmth and generosity that drew people to her.

I added the chicken broth to the pot and stirred in the basil, the aroma of the herbs mingling with the rich tomatoey scent. As the soup simmered on the stove, I thought about the stories behind each ingredient. The tomatoes had been grown with care in my neighbor's garden, the basil picked fresh from my own herb bed, the chicken raised on a nearby farm.

I ladled the steaming soup into bowls and sat down to taste the fruits of my labor. The first spoonful brought a burst of flavor - tangy tomatoes, savory chicken, earthy basil, and nutty rice. It was a symphony of tastes and textures, a perfect harmony of ingredients that had come together to create something truly special.

As I savored each spoonful, I thought about the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, to nourish both body and soul. This recipe for Chicken Tomato Basil Rice Soup was more than just a collection of ingredients - it was a story, a connection, a legacy. And as I finished my bowl, I knew that I would cherish it for years to come, passing it on to future generations as a reminder of the wonderful world of food and the joy of sharing it with others.