Spiced Italian Chicken Soup

Spiced Italian Chicken Soup Recipe - A Hearty and Flavorful Dish from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spiced Italian Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. The combination of Italian sausage, chicken, lentils, and barley creates a delicious and comforting soup that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Italian chicken soup has been a popular dish in Italy for centuries. It is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the dish. The addition of spices and herbs gives this soup its distinct Italian flavor, making it a favorite among many.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) italian sausage, Casing Removed, Crumbled
0.75 cup Diced onion
0.5 cup pearl barley *
3 cloves garlic
3 qt (2.84 liter) chicken stock
1 cup lentils
1 chicken breast, Split With Bone, Uncooked
0.5 cup parsley, Chopped
1 can (15 oz (425 g)) garbanzo (chick peas) And juice
0.5 - 1 lb (454 g) Fresh or Frozen spinach
1 cup Mild to Medium salsa
2 tbsp olive oil

How to prepare

Place 1 tbsp of olive oil in a cooker.
Cook the sausage, drain, and set aside.
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the pressure cooker and sauté the onion and garlic. Do not brown.
Add barley and sauce and cook for one minute.
Add the browned sausage, lentils, uncooked chicken breast, and parsley to the cooker.
Then add enough chicken stock to cover the ingredients in the cooker.
Close the lid, bring to high pressure, then lower the heat on the stove and cook for 9 minutes.
Remove from heat and release pressure using the cold-water release method according to the manufacturer's directions (or if time allows, pressure can be released naturally).
Open the cooker.
Remove the chicken, shred the meat, and return it to the cooker.
Add the remaining chicken stock, beans, spinach, and salsa to the soup mixture and heat thoroughly.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and chicken breast and add extra vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tangy twist to the soup.
Use quinoa or brown rice instead of barley for a different grain option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the casing from the Italian sausage before cooking.

- Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding the other ingredients helps to enhance the flavor of the soup.

- Shred the chicken after cooking and return it to the soup for added texture and flavor.

- Adjust the amount of salsa to your taste preference, depending on how spicy you like your soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spiced Italian Chicken Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is pressure cooking, which helps to lock in the flavors and nutrients of the ingredients. The high pressure and heat help to cook the ingredients quickly and evenly, resulting in a delicious and flavorful soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Italian sausage, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute.

- Substitute quinoa or brown rice for the pearl barley if desired.

- Use any type of leafy green vegetable in place of spinach, such as kale or Swiss chard.

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 or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spiced Italian Chicken Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in a rustic bowl for a cozy and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, for a classic Italian meal experience. A side of garlic bread or bruschetta would also complement the flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spiced Italian Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spiced Italian Chicken Soup contains around 350 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

The Spiced Italian Chicken Soup is a good source of carbohydrates, with the pearl barley and lentils providing a healthy dose of fiber. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The Italian sausage and olive oil in this soup contribute to the fat content. Each serving contains around 15 grams of fat, with the majority coming from the sausage and olive oil.

Proteins

This soup is a protein-packed dish, with the Italian sausage, chicken breast, and lentils providing a substantial amount of protein. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

The Spiced Italian Chicken Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. The spinach and parsley in the soup are excellent sources of these essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains allergens such as wheat (barley) and soy (from the sausage). It is important to check for any food allergies before consuming this soup.

Summary

Overall, Spiced Italian Chicken Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal.

Summary

Spiced Italian Chicken Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this soup is a satisfying and flavorful option for lunch or dinner. With a combination of Italian sausage, chicken, lentils, and barley, this soup is sure to warm you up on a cold day. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful soup with your family and friends for a cozy and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Spiced Italian Chicken Soup. It was a chilly fall evening, and my dear friend Maria invited me over for dinner. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was enveloped in the warm, comforting aroma of spices and herbs simmering on the stove. Maria greeted me with a smile and a hug, and then gestured towards a large pot bubbling away on the stove.

"Come, my dear friend, sit down and let me tell you about this soup," Maria said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations, and I know you will love it."

As I watched Maria work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be in awe of her culinary skills. She moved with such grace and confidence, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, all the while explaining the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients to create a truly delicious dish.

As the soup simmered away, Maria poured us each a glass of wine and we settled in at the kitchen table to catch up on life. As we chatted and laughed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and contentment wash over me. There was something so special about sharing a meal with a dear friend, especially one as talented and generous as Maria.

Finally, the soup was ready, and Maria ladled out steaming bowls for us to enjoy. The first spoonful was pure heaven - the rich broth was infused with the warm, aromatic flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, while tender chunks of chicken and hearty vegetables added a comforting depth to each bite. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds and warmed me from the inside out.

As I savored each spoonful, I couldn't help but ask Maria for the recipe. She smiled and handed me a well-worn index card, filled with her handwritten notes and instructions. "I'm happy to share this with you, my dear friend," she said. "Just promise me that you will make it with love and share it with those you hold dear."

And so, armed with Maria's recipe and a heart full of gratitude, I set out to recreate her Spiced Italian Chicken Soup in my own kitchen. I gathered the freshest ingredients I could find, and followed her instructions to the letter, all the while channeling her passion and expertise into each step.

The soup turned out beautifully - the flavors were just as rich and complex as the first time I tasted it at Maria's table. As I sat down to enjoy a bowl, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to my dear friend, as if she were there with me, sharing in the joy of a delicious meal made with love.

Over the years, I have made Maria's Spiced Italian Chicken Soup many times, each batch a tribute to her friendship and culinary talent. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on not just the ingredients and instructions, but the spirit of generosity and warmth that Maria infused into every dish she created.

And so, as I stir a pot of simmering soup on a chilly fall evening, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to nourish not just our bodies but our souls. I am grateful for the gift of Maria's recipe, and for the memories of laughter and love that it brings with each delicious spoonful.