Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup

Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe from India | Ingredients and Directions

Region / culture: India | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. This soup is packed with bold flavors and is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a fusion of Asian and Mediterranean flavors, combining the zesty tang of lemon with the heat of red chillies. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

Soup

4 cups chicken broth
2-3 large red chillies
2-3 pieces of ginger (about an inch in size)
3-4 garlic cloves
a handful of basil leaves
a couple of mint leaves
2 stalks of lemon grass, cut into medium-sized pieces
1 chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes and pan-fried in a little oil

Garnish

1 tbsp olive oil
fresh chopped cilantro
fresh chopped parsley
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
handful of baby spinach
2 tbsp thinly sliced onions

How to prepare

Boil all the ingredients for the soup together for a few minutes.
Garnish with the remaining ingredients and serve with buttered toasts or crackers!

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, be sure to use fresh ingredients and adjust the amount of red chillies according to your spice preference. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup with a side of buttered toasts or crackers for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil all the ingredients for the soup together to infuse the flavors and create a rich broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the spicy and citrusy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the lemon and antioxidants from the herbs.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken broth, so it may not be suitable for those with poultry allergies.

Summary

Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in carbohydrates and fats, but high in proteins and vitamins.

Summary

Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and comforting warmth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner at my friend's house. I wanted to bring something warm and comforting to share with everyone, so I decided to try my hand at making a new soup recipe.

I had been flipping through an old cookbook that my mother had passed down to me, looking for inspiration. As I turned the pages, a worn piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. I picked it up and saw that it was a recipe for Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup, handwritten in my mother's elegant script.

I remembered my mother making this soup for us when I was a child, and how the tangy lemon and fiery spices warmed me from the inside out. I knew this was the perfect dish to bring to the potluck, and I set to work gathering the ingredients.

I chopped onions and garlic, diced chicken breasts, and squeezed fresh lemon juice. I added a touch of chili powder and cayenne pepper for heat, and let the soup simmer on the stove until it was fragrant and flavorful. As I stirred the pot, memories of my mother and her delicious cooking flooded my mind.

I remembered how she would hum as she cooked, her hands moving deftly around the kitchen. She taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients and seasoning to taste, rather than relying on precise measurements. Her cooking was always full of love and warmth, and I strived to capture that same feeling in my own dishes.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into a large pot and covered it with a lid. The steam rose up and fogged my glasses as I carried it to the car, the aroma of lemon and spices filling the air around me. I drove to my friend's house with a smile on my face, excited to share this beloved recipe with everyone.

As soon as I walked through the door, the delicious scent of Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup wafted through the room. My friends gathered around the table, their eyes lighting up with anticipation. I carefully poured the soup into bowls, making sure to include a generous portion of tender chicken and fragrant broth in each one.

As we sat down to eat, the room was filled with laughter and chatter. The soup was a hit, with everyone raving about the bold flavors and comforting warmth. I felt a swell of pride in my chest, knowing that I had successfully recreated a cherished family recipe and shared it with the people I loved.

After that potluck dinner, the recipe for Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on cold winter nights. Each time I cooked it, I felt my mother's presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hand and sharing in the joy of creating something delicious.

Over the years, I have added my own touches to the recipe, tweaking the spices and adjusting the proportions to suit my taste. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a soul-warming soup that brings people together and fills them with love.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful autumn day when I rediscovered this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary legacy that has been passed down through generations. I am proud to carry on the tradition of cooking with passion and joy, just as my mother did before me.

And so, whenever I make a pot of Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup, I do it with a full heart and a smile on my face, knowing that I am honoring the memories of the past and creating new ones for the future. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones and share a piece of myself with them, and I am grateful for every delicious moment spent in the kitchen.