Rich Chicken Soup

Rich Chicken Soup Recipe from Haiti - Ingredients & Preparation Details

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 24 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rich Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. This recipe is packed with a variety of vegetables and seasonings that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Chicken soup has been a popular dish for centuries, known for its comforting and nourishing qualities. This rich chicken soup recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) chicken legs
0.5 tsp italian seasoning
1 medium onion, minced
salt and pepper
1 small green pepper, chopped
2 carrots, cut into thick diagonal slices
2 stalks celery, chopped with leaves
0.5 fresh pumpkin, peeled, cut in serving pieces
3 potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 firm green plantains, sliced thick rounds
2 medium tomatoes, peeled
2 white yams, quartered
0.25 tsp nutmeg
3 shallots, minced
1 tsp cumin
0.5 small cabbage, shredded
1 tsp poultry seasoning

How to prepare

Rub the chicken with lime juice.
Chop the tomatoes after peeling them.
Prepare a marinade using onion, green pepper, celery, shallots, tomatoes, poultry seasoning, nutmeg, cumin, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix the marinade with the chicken and refrigerate for twenty-four hours.
Remove the marinade from the chicken legs.
Simmer the marinade in a large kettle for ten minutes.
Add the chicken legs and enough water to cover them.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is tender, which should take about forty minutes.
Skim any foam that appears on the surface of the broth.
Remove the chicken and strain the broth, discarding the vegetables.
Return the broth to the kettle and add carrots and pumpkin.
Cook for 10 minutes.
Next, add plantains and yams and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
Then, add cabbage and cook for 5 more minutes.
Return the chicken to the kettle and heat thoroughly.

Variations

Add different vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans for added texture and flavor.
Use different seasonings such as curry powder or chili flakes to spice up the soup.
Add cooked rice or noodles to make the soup even heartier.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture of seasonings and vegetables adds depth of flavor to the soup.

- Skimming any foam that appears on the surface of the broth helps to create a clear and clean soup.

- Adding the vegetables in stages ensures that each ingredient is cooked to perfection without becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the chicken adds flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.

- Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to develop and meld together.

- Adding the vegetables in stages ensures that each ingredient is cooked perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken breasts or thighs instead of chicken legs.

- Substitute sweet potatoes for white yams.

- Use butternut squash or acorn squash instead of pumpkin.

Make Ahead Tips

This rich chicken 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 fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in a rustic bowl for a cozy and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This rich chicken soup pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber.

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 until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this rich chicken soup contains around 350 calories, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal option.

Carbohydrates

This rich chicken soup is a great source of carbohydrates, with the vegetables providing essential nutrients and fiber. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The chicken legs used in this recipe add a healthy dose of fats to the soup. Each serving contains around 15 grams of fats, including essential fatty acids that are important for overall health.

Proteins

Chicken is a rich source of protein, making this soup a satisfying and filling meal. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This rich chicken soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used in the recipe. It is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron, among others.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken and may not be suitable for those with poultry allergies. It is important to check for any other allergens based on individual dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, this rich chicken soup is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Summary

Rich Chicken Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with a variety of vegetables, seasonings, and tender chicken, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy a bowl of this rich chicken soup on a cold day for a satisfying and delicious 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 many years ago, during a visit to my dear friend Martha's house. Martha was known far and wide for her delicious homemade soups, and that day she graciously shared her recipe for Rich Chicken Soup with me.

I remember walking into Martha's cozy kitchen, the scent of simmering chicken broth and vegetables filling the air. Martha greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, before handing me a steaming bowl of her homemade soup. As I took my first sip, I knew I had to learn how she made it.

"Martha, this soup is amazing! Would you mind sharing your recipe with me?" I asked eagerly.

Martha chuckled, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Of course, dear. I'd be happy to share my recipe with you. It's been passed down in my family for generations."

I watched intently as Martha began to gather the ingredients for her Rich Chicken Soup. She explained each step of the process to me, from preparing the chicken broth to adding in the vegetables and seasonings. I took careful notes, wanting to remember every detail so I could recreate this delicious soup in my own kitchen.

After a few hours of simmering on the stove, the soup was ready. Martha ladled out steaming bowls for us to enjoy, and as I took my first spoonful, I knew this recipe would become a staple in my own home.

Over the years, I have made Martha's Rich Chicken Soup countless times, each batch bringing back fond memories of that day in her kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, always receiving rave reviews and requests for seconds.

What makes this soup so special is the depth of flavor that comes from slowly simmering the chicken bones and vegetables together. The broth is rich and hearty, with a hint of warmth from the seasonings. The tender chunks of chicken and vegetables add a satisfying texture to each spoonful, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

I have since added my own twist to Martha's recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices to create my own unique version of Rich Chicken Soup. But no matter how many variations I make, the original recipe will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I sit here in my kitchen, stirring a pot of Rich Chicken Soup on the stove, I can't help but smile as I think back to that day with Martha. Her generosity in sharing her recipe with me has brought so much joy and warmth to my family over the years.

I am grateful for the friendships and memories that cooking has brought into my life, and I look forward to passing down this recipe to future generations. May they too find comfort and joy in a steaming bowl of Rich Chicken Soup, just as I have.