Chicken Vegetable Soup

Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe - Delicious and Healthy

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken vegetable soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for any time of the year. Packed with flavorful vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Chicken vegetable soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of vegetables and seasonings, making it a popular choice for home cooks and chefs alike.

Ingredients

4 cups chicken broth
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 tsp crushed basil
0.5 tsp crushed oregano
0.5 tsp crushed marjoram
1 clove garlic
0.25 tsp pepper
2 cups assorted vegetables, chopped or 1-10 oz (283 g) package frozen vegetables
2 cups cooked chicken, skinned and cubed
1-15 oz (425 g) can crushed or chopped tomatoes

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, combine chicken broth, onion, herbs, garlic, and pepper. Stir in vegetables.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 6-8 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Stir in the chicken and undrained tomatoes. Heat the mixture thoroughly.

Variations

Add rice or pasta to make the soup more filling.
Use different vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor.

Notes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 6

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to your soup, try sautéing the onions and garlic before adding the broth.

- For a thicker soup, you can add a roux (a mixture of flour and butter) to the broth before adding the vegetables.

- Don't overcook the vegetables, as they will become mushy. Cook them until they are just tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken vegetable soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering: Simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Blanching: Blanch the vegetables before adding them to the soup to retain their color and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

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

- Substitute tofu or beans for the chicken for a plant-based option.

Make Ahead Tips

The 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 fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of grated cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the chicken vegetable soup with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a delicious pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup 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 vegetable soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chicken vegetable soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

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

Proteins

Each serving of chicken vegetable soup contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken vegetable soup is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

Chicken vegetable soup may contain allergens such as gluten (if using store-bought chicken broth) and dairy (if adding cream or cheese).

Summary

Chicken vegetable soup is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is low in calories and high in protein. It is a great option for a healthy meal.

Summary

Chicken vegetable soup is a versatile and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavorful vegetables and tender chicken, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup on a cold day or anytime you need a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Vegetable Soup. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. The pages were yellowed and worn, but the handwritten notes in the margins told a story of generations of women before me who had lovingly prepared these dishes.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the rich aroma of the soup simmering on the stove. It called for simple, wholesome ingredients like chicken, carrots, celery, and onions, all of which I had on hand in my pantry. The recipe also called for a few secret ingredients that intrigued me, like a sprinkle of thyme and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

I decided to give it a try, following the instructions carefully and adding my own personal touch here and there. As the soup bubbled away on the stove, I could feel the warmth spreading through my kitchen, chasing away the chill of the winter day. The savory scent filled the air, drawing in my family members who eagerly awaited their first taste.

When I finally ladled out steaming bowls of the soup, I knew I had struck culinary gold. The flavors were perfectly balanced, the vegetables tender yet still slightly crunchy, and the broth rich and satisfying. My family devoured their bowls, each one declaring it the best chicken soup they had ever tasted.

From that day on, Chicken Vegetable Soup became a staple in our household. I made it for sick days, for cozy nights in front of the fire, and for gatherings with friends and family. Each time I made it, I thought of the women who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and love of cooking through the generations.

Over the years, I tweaked and perfected the recipe, adding a dash of this and a pinch of that to make it my own. I shared it with neighbors, friends, and anyone who asked for the secret to my delicious soup. And each time I made it, I felt a connection to those who had taught me the joy of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones.

As I grew older, my love of cooking only deepened. I collected recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I met in my travels. Each one held a story, a memory, a piece of someone's heart that they had shared with me through the gift of food.

But no recipe held as much meaning for me as that simple Chicken Vegetable Soup. It was a reminder of where I came from, of the traditions and values that had shaped me into the woman I had become. It was a comfort on cold days and a celebration on special occasions. It was a taste of home, no matter where I found myself in the world.

And as I pass it down to my own children and grandchildren, I hope they will feel the same connection to the past and the joy of sharing a meal with those they love. For in the end, it is not just a recipe for soup, but a recipe for life - one filled with love, laughter, and the simple pleasure of a warm bowl of Chicken Vegetable Soup.